An animal welfare investigation has been launched into a California ranch following allegations that animals were subjected to cruel and inhumane practices during a halal slaughter event. Animal Lookout, an animal rights organization, filed a legal complaint detailing alleged violations of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act at Shahnawaz Ranch in Perris.
The complaint, obtained by the Daily Mail, centers on a public gathering for the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha held on May 27. According to the complaint, distressing footage captured staff at the ranch making multiple cuts to goats' necks while they were still conscious. The video reportedly shows goats being kicked and pulled by their horns and legs during the event.
Allegations of Cruelty and Unsanitary Conditions
Animal Lookout claims that at least five animals exhibited signs of consciousness for a significant period after attempted slaughter, including attempting to stand, wagging tails, shaking heads, and making kicking movements for up to three minutes. The organization also cited numerous unsanitary conditions at the ranch, including employees wearing street shoes or dirty boots on the slaughtering floor, emptying blood into an exposed plastic barrel, the presence of a live chicken during killings, and the use of cleaning instruments while animals were dying or dead nearby. Flies were also observed around the slaughter area and holding pen.
Shahnawaz Ranch, owned and operated by restaurant owner Rafi Khan, is accused of not adhering to proper halal slaughter techniques. Halal slaughter, under Islamic dietary guidelines, involves a swift cut to the throat to ensure complete blood drainage. While stunning animals before slaughter is permissible under Islamic law, it must not result in the animal's death prior to the cut.
Lack of Licensing and Oversight
According to Ben Williamson of Animal Outlook, Shahnawaz Ranch is not licensed or inspected by the USDA or the state of California. It does not appear on federal or state lists of inspected slaughter facilities, raising concerns about the lack of government oversight and the safety and humane treatment of animals whose meat may be sold to the public.
Following the complaint, the Riverside Sheriff's Department issued a cease-and-desist order to the ranch on July 18 after neighbors reported animal slaughter and a large event. The order cited the business for operating without the necessary permits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it is investigating the business but declined to comment on pending litigation.
Rafi Khan told the Los Angeles Times that he has not been contacted by the USDA and that the ranch has temporarily closed while he determines the next steps. He stated that customers often participate in the slaughtering process, either with their own animals or those purchased from the ranch, and that people were enjoying the events. The ranch announced its temporary pause in operations on Instagram due to "unforeseen administrative circumstances with officials."