A Southern California halal ranch is under investigation by the US Department of Agriculture after disturbing videos emerged showing allegedly inhumane slaughtering of goats and other livestock.
Shahnawaz Ranch in Riverside County violated the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and sold meat without required federal inspection, according to a complaint filed by anti-animal abuse group Animal Outlook.
An investigator from the group attended a May 27 event at the ranch celebrating the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha. Muslims on that holiday sacrifice livestock and share meat with family and others in need.
A California halal ranch is under investigation by the US Department of Agriculture after disturbing videos emerged. Animal Outlook
The video showing allegedly inhumane slaughtering of goats and other livestock. Animal Outlook
The blood-churning video captured of the event depicts the goats being chased around, then dragged by their horns and hind legs into a slaughter area.
The animals are wrestled to the ground before the men cut their throats. The goat’s bodies still continue to move and kick after several minutes.
“What happens at this live animal market is normally kept out of sight. Today, you are seeing what they experience,” Animal Outlook said in its release of the video.
The video shows the goats being chased around, then dragged by their horns and hind legs into a slaughter area.
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Shahnawaz Ranch operator Rafi Khan disputed the allegations.
The animals are wrestled to the ground before the men cut their throats. Animal Outlook
Halal ranches typically serve meats in accordance with Islamic dietary rules, which could include a swift cut to the throat while invoking God’s name and allowing the blood to drain from the animal.
Animal Outlook also included in its complaint a declaration from a veterinarian who concluded the video showed inhumane acts.
“In one especially egregious incident, and in a second, a worker appeared to begin skinning an animal while the animal still showed signs of consciousness,” veterinarian James Reynolds said.
After their throats are slit, the goat’s bodies still continue to move and kick after several minutes.
USDA confirmed to The Orange County Register that it learned of the incident mid-July and has launched an inquiry into the matter.
Riverside County law enforcement also responded with a cease-and-desist order.
“Neighbors have been complaining about hearing animals screaming while being butchered,” an enforcement report read. “The animals are reportedly being slaughtered and served to guests at the outdoor restaurant.”
Shahnawaz Ranch operator Rafi Khan disputed the allegations to the OC Register but has temporarily paused operations. He is working with authorities to get the proper permits and said slaughtering is no longer allowed on his site.
“As of today, it’s done. It’s gone,” he said.
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