Shahnawaz Ranch in Perris, Riverside County, is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for alleged inhumane livestock slaughter and the sale of uninspected meat. The ranch also received a cease-and-desist order from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in July for operating a food business and entertainment venue without proper permits, according to www.latimes.com.
The allegations originated from a May event at Shahnawaz Ranch during the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. National animal advocacy organization Animal Outlook filed a complaint with the USDA in late June, asserting humane and inspection violations. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department issued its order on July 18, after neighbors reported a large event and animal slaughter the previous night.
The USDA confirmed it became aware of the allegations in mid-July and opened an investigation. Due to the ongoing inquiry, the agency would not provide further details.
Rafi Khan, the restaurateur leasing the 20-acre ranch, envisioned a cultural community space with Karachi highway-style barbecue and halal meat tacos. The concept drew approximately 250 people from various locations to its opening night this summer. Khan also operates businesses in Corona and Artesia. He stated his efforts "backfired," leading to "hateful phone calls." Khan confirmed he has not been contacted by the USDA and has closed operations to secure necessary permits, aiming to "figure this thing out."
Animal Outlook’s June 26 complaint included videos from Scott David, the organization’s director of investigations. David, who found the event through internet searches, alleged animals were pulled by legs or horns, and throat cuts were not quick or thorough. Veterinarian James Reynolds, in a written declaration, observed from the videos that some goats and sheep remained alive for two to three minutes after throat cuts, with one appearing to be skinned before dying. Reynolds also noted unsanitary outdoor slaughter conditions.
Jareb Gleckel, legal director at Animal Outlook, highlighted that ritual slaughter has different regulations but "less margin for error." Gleckel cited inconsistencies in Khan's statements, contrasting Khan's portrayal of the May event as a one-off with the ranch’s website advertising "ranch-to-table halal dining." Khan declined to directly address the allegations, stating customers were largely involved in slaughtering animals they brought or purchased, with employee assistance.
Islamic tradition, similar to Kosher rules, requires halal meat preparation with a swift throat cut for a quick, relatively painless death and blood drainage. This is observed during Eid al-Adha to honor prophet Abraham's sacrifice, with meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.
The Shahnawaz Ranch website has removed pop-up information, now featuring a form for customer contact details and a message: "We’re working hard to open our gates... Leave your details and you’ll be the first to know the moment we’re back."
