The Alberta government announced on Wednesday that it is increasing fines for the illegal slaughter and sale of uninspected meat.
If the Meat Inspection Amendment Act passes, fines would shoot up from $10,000 to $100,000 for each offence.
"The sale of uninspected meat is illegal in Alberta. Illegal slaughter and food safety non-compliance pose a risk to human and animal health and could harm Alberta’s entire livestock and meat processing industry," wrote the province in a news release.
The UCP also mentioned that the amendment would allow for longer times to investigate and lay charges.
"Currently, the act allows inspectors one year after the offence to investigate allegations of illegal slaughter or sale of uninspected meat. If passed, the investigation timeframe for a complex case would be extended to two years from the date the offence came to the attention of an inspector," wrote the provincial government.
The province licenses 121 abattoirs that help produce meat that is inspected by provincial meat inspectors.
In June, RCMP charged four men with the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef.
The sheep and goats were transported to areas in Mountain View County, Rocky View County, and Wheatland County where the animals were slaughtered.
The meat was sent to stores in Calgary. Beef was also slaughtered and seized before coming into the city.
Seven Halal grocery stores were ordered to close down.
Raed Alnajar, Waeel Alhamawi, Amer Alhamawi, and Tareq Alhamawi were all charged with several offences under Alberta's Meat Inspection Act.
