Charges laid in illegal slaughtering after closure of Calgary stores

Mounties have laid charges in connection with the illegal slaughtering of animals that prompted the shut down of several Calgary businesses earlier this year.

RCMP say they began investigating the unlawful sale of livestock and illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef in November of last year.

Investigators confirm the sheep and goats were bought and taken to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky View and Wheatland counties in southern Alberta where they were illegally slaughtered. Police say beef was also illegally slaughtered at the rural properties but was seized before it was transported.

The sheep and goats were subsequently delivered to businesses and homes in Calgary.

As a result of a joint investigation involving RCMP and Alberta Health Services (AHS), seven Halal grocery stores in Calgary were shut down. Officials also revoked two on-farm slaughter licences.

Clean-up orders have been issued to remove animal remains and deal with “unsightliness” at the properties where the slaughtering took place.

RCMP have charged four Calgary residents — Raed Alnajar, 48, Waeel Alhamawi, 35, Amer Alhamawai, 35, Tareq Alhamawai, 41 — with failing to have animals inspected for slaughter, selling uninspected meat and dealing with livestock without being a licensed livestock dealer.

The four suspects are scheduled to appear in court later this month.

Police are reminding the public that a dealer’s licence is necessary before buying and selling livestock within 30 days.