A Cookstown farm has been handed a fine for the illegal slaughter of animals.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness was made aware of illegal activities taking place in February (2024) on a farm located on 5th Sideroad.
An investigation began in March, in which a vehicle was observed attending the property and the occupants entered a barn to pick out live animals.
Those animals were then slaughtered, butchered and sold to them, on site.
Bereket Farms Ltd. has since been charged with Operating a meat plant without a licence.
Investigators indicate the farm is not a licenced meat plant under the Food Safety and Quality Act.
The meat was seized by investigators and disposed of.
The chief operator and director of the farm pleaded guilty in court and was handed a $5000 fine, plus a victim surcharge.
Inspections of animals before and after slaughter, is required by Ontario law.
