Introduction
The Alberta government issues licences for the following types of slaughter operations:
Abattoir Licence – for a premise that slaughter animals for the purpose of preparing, packaging or storing the meat. Meat from an abattoir is inspected and fit for human consumption, and can be sold to consumers, retailers or food services.
Mobile Butcher Licence – for an operation that will slaughter an individual’s animal on the individual’s land. The uninspected meat is only for consumption by the animal owner and their immediate household; it is not for sale or further distribution.
Mobile Butcher Facility Licence – for a premise operated by a mobile butcher for the purpose of processing inspected or uninspected meat. The uninspected meat is only for consumption by the animal owner and their household; it is not for sale or further distribution.
On-Farm Slaughter Operation Licence – for an operation that allows for the uninspected slaughter and processing of:
- Large live animals over 227 kg: can be purchased by an individual customer and up to three other individuals. This meat is uninspected and for consumption by the individual or co-owners and their households only; it is not for sale or further distribution.
- Small live animals under 227 kg: may only be sold to an individual customer. Two or more people cannot buy a single small animal and split the meat. This meat is uninspected and for consumption by the individual customer and their household only; it is not for sale or further distribution.
To compare licence types, read Alberta's slaughter licences: a summary of the types of slaughter licences.