HRPS Investigating Cow Slaughter

By: Laura Steiner

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is probing a recent slaughter of a cow caught on tape. The video shows a man believed to be Ayaz Malik butchering the animal believed to be on the site of a temporary mosque in rural Milton. The video started as a Facebook Live, but was taken down in response to some of the comments.

The sacrifice was part of Eid celebrations which lasted from August 21-25.  The idea of sacrifice comes from the story of Abraham, who was asked by God to sacrifice his son.  At the last minute a miracle was granted and God replaced Abraham’s son with a ram.

The Town of Milton brought the complaint to the attention of HRPS asking they look into the possibility of animal cruelty.  “We have no reason to believe this time the animal was slaughtered in a cruel manner,”  HRPS spokesperson Angela Oliver said in an email.  The animal was suspended in mid air held up by a forklift.

The police investigation will instead focus on violations of the Food Safety and Quality Act.  They’ll be looking whether the animal was inspected by a government approved inspector, and slaughtered at a licensed abattoir.  “Any infractions will be referred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  Oliver said.  Penalties for violations range from a $25,000 fine for a first time offender to potential jail time for repeat offenders.