Sunrise Poultry Convicted for Inhumane Slaughter of Animals

Lethbridge, AB, December 20, 2011: On October 14, 2011 in Alberta Provincial Court, Sunrise Poultry Processors Ltd. was convicted after trial for its failure to follow the regulatory requirements for processing chickens under the Meat Inspection Act.

Judge Hironaka found the company guilty of an offence under Section 62(1) of the Meat Inspection Regulations and imposed a fine of $20,000.

Section 62(1) of the Regulations states:

"No food animal shall be handled in a manner that subjects the animal to avoidable distress or avoidable pain."

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation determined that on January 23, 2008, Sunrise Poultry Processors Ltd. did not process chickens as required. According to the Regulations, the chickens must be rendered unconscious, be completely bled before regaining consciousness and then placed in the scalding tank for feather removal. In this case, due to equipment malfunction, the bleeding was incomplete and there was potential for the chickens to regain consciousness. A significant number of chickens went directly to the scalding tank, potentially resulting in distress or pain to the animals.

The CFIA enforces federal legislation including the Meat Inspection Act and its Regulations. The CFIA safeguards food, animals and plants which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy and access to international markets.

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CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600