The Municipality of Clarington yesterday announced that it has looked into the rumours of illegal slaughterhouses and found no evidence of any illegal abattoirs operating in the municipality.
Several properties have recently been discussed on social media, Municipal Law Enforcement received formal complaints about a single property and conducted an investigation, said a municipal statement.
It said the investigation found no evidence of an abattoir operating on the property. Building division inspectors identified building code matters unrelated to meat processing; no evidence has been confirmed to support claims of illegal meat processing.
To date, Clarington has not received any other substantive complaints about any other properties, said the statement.
Prosecutions Not Based On Rumours And Innuendo
Clarington’s Municipal Law Enforcement Division investigates concerns submitted through the municipality’s by-law complaint process. They conduct investigations and prosecutions based on evidence, not rumours and innuendo, the statement said.
Enforcement Officers follow the rule of law and the Municipality’s Enforcement Policy to ensure investigations are legal, fair, impartial, consistent, and free from political interference.
Each complaint is carefully reviewed to determine the appropriate response under council-approved by-laws. The investigations are also governed by human rights and privacy laws to respect the dignity of every resident.
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Are independent
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are Provincial Offences Officers and carry out their duties independently under applicable legislation and municipal policy, free from political interference. Council’s role is to establish by-laws and policies; enforcement staff are responsible for applying them through a fair, evidence-based process.
By-law enforcement in Clarington is complaint-based, which means any member of the public may submit a complaint if they believe there is a contravention of a municipal by-law. Submit a complaint online at any time through the Service Clarington portal, or by phone at 905-623-3379 ext. 2105.
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