For Immediate Release
January 25, 2008

MAN CONVICTED FOR ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER

L'ORIGNAL - A Wendover resident has been convicted for illegal slaughter. The charges arose from an investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

On January 17, 2008, Michel Cousineau pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in L'Orignal, to five counts under Ontario Regulation 31/05 and the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. The court heard that an investigation conducted by MNR revealed that Cousineau was slaughtering chickens and turkeys at his farm without inspection and a licence to operate a slaughter plant, was not properly stunning the animals prior to slaughter, and was selling the uninspected carcasses to the public, contrary to the legislation. All offences related to the illegal slaughter occurred on November 10, 2007. Offences related to sales of uninspected meat occurred between November 1 and 14, 2007.

Justice François Pilon sentenced Cousineau to fines totaling $4000, plus a victim fine surcharge, for two counts. Cousineau received a suspended sentence for the three remaining counts.

On December 18, 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) held a hearing in Ottawa, Ontario to decide on disposition of the uninspected carcasses placed under detention on November 14, 2007 as part of the investigation. The hearing resulted in the condemnation of approximately 170 uninspected chickens and turkeys, to prevent them from entering the human food chain.

OMAFRA's 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 Jim Cushing, OMAFRA compliance and enforcement manager at (519) 826-4391 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Contacts:
Gwen McBride
OMAFRA
(519) 826-3112

Rodger Dunlop
MNR
(519) 827-6726