TWO MEN CONVICTED FOR ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER

October 16, 2008

ST. THOMAS - Two Aylmer residents have been convicted for illegal slaughter. The charges in both cases arose from investigations by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

On September 26, 2008, Willis Ray Bender pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas to two counts under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. The court heard that Bender was slaughtering food animals without a licence and selling uninspected carcasses from his farm in Malahide Township. The offence occurred on June 17, 2008.

Justice of the Peace Robert Ponton sentenced Bender to a fine for one count and one year probation. One count received a suspended sentence plus one year probation, and two counts were withdrawn.

On September 26, 2008 as well, Paul J. Jantzi pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas to three counts under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. The court heard that Jantzi was slaughtering food animals without a licence and selling uninspected carcasses of food animals from his farm in Malahide Township. The offences occurred between April 26 and June 13, 2008.

Justice of the Peace Robert Ponton sentenced Jantzi to a fine and one year probation for two counts; one count received a suspended sentence and one year probation; four counts were withdrawn.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' (OMAFRA) meat inspection program is part of Ontario's food safety system, which maximizes the safety of Ontario food products by combining a thorough inspection system with educational programs, laboratory support and a comprehensive legislative framework. The Meat Regulation (O. Reg. 31/05), under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, provides for the inspection of animals and carcasses in slaughter plants, and regulates conditions and methods of operation. This legislation is administered by OMAFRA with investigative and prosecution services provided by MNR.

Anyone with information regarding violations of provincial food and inspection legislation is asked to contact Nicola Finlay, OMAFRA acting compliance and enforcement manager at (519) 826-4537 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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