Guilty of cruelty, they keep their animals

Photo special collaboration, Caroline Lepage
Michel and Jonathan Cloutier does not have the intention to stop the breeding of sheep.

Caroline Lepage

Monday, 26 February, 2018 22:48

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Monday, 26 February, 2018 22:48

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The FUTURE | A farm and a farmer sentenced to nearly $ 150,000 in fines for animal cruelty will continue to raise the beasts, but welcome never the muslim festival of the sheep.

Michel and Jonathan Cloutier continue to raise some 500 sheep and other farm animals BSC of The Future, in the Centre-du-Québec, even if they are sentenced to pay 141 074 $ fines after having hosted the festival of the sheep, or Eid al-Adha.

During this ritual islamic, muslims slaughter sheep, and offer them in sacrifice to Allah.

Revenge ?

Michel Cloutier says he will not pay the 110 $ 350 per claimed from him for the holidays in September 2015 and 2016, which were attended by 800 to 1,200 muslims.

He said he is ready to perform community service work, or to go to prison since he has no money to pay.

His son, Jonathan Cloutier, who is the new owner, will reimburse 30 724 $ of fines imposed on his farm.

The father and the son have challenged the facts alleged by the ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ), during their trial, in February 2017, at the courthouse in Drummondville, but the judge has not believed their version.

They feel they are still victims of a revenge of the MAPAQ, as they have not worked during the visit of the inspectors.

They will not go to appeal the verdict rendered by the judge Paul Dunnigan, 19 January.

Cruel methods of execution

The judge ruled that the firm operated a slaughterhouse during the rituals. It would have had to have a permit and proper disposal of the meat not edible.

In addition, it considers that the testimony of Michel Cloutier, who oversaw the festivities, is not credible. It was his responsibility to ensure that the methods of the muslims to slay the sheep were not cruel.

The judge relates that the poor technique used prevented the sheep to die instantly after having been slain. According to him, some animals were still alive when their skin was removed.

Jonathan Cloutier recalls that their sheep are their livelihood and that it is to their benefit to treat them well.

“Why the slaughterhouses we say our lambs are among the most beautiful in Quebec ?” asks he.