Family Faces Intense Backlash Over False Slaughterhouse Claims

A Muslim family in Clarington, Ont., describes their situation as a “nightmare” after false claims of an illegal slaughterhouse on their property led to real-world harassment, threats, and a planned protest.

Mohsin Bhuiyan, who has run a small hobby farm in the area for the past year, says he and his family have been “terrorized” by people spreading misinformation online about his farm, claiming he’s operating an “illegal slaughterhouse” there.

“We cannot sleep at night because they’re taking pictures. We do not know who is coming and who is passing by,” he shared with .

The harassment started about a month ago when screenshots began circulating on social media alleging that the farm was involved in the slaughter of Canada geese and running an illegal business, Bhuiyan explained.

This sparked multiple unannounced inspections from four different regulatory agencies, including Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Clarington bylaw officers, building inspectors, and Durham Region’s public health unit. has seen letters from all four agencies confirming that there was no evidence of a slaughterhouse on the premises.

“This letter confirms your premises is in compliance with OMFA regulations,” states a letter from the ministry dated June 15.

The ministry mentioned it could not comment on investigations or inspections but confirmed that the letter was authentic to .

Bhuiyan stated that he raises ducks legally under Clarington’s zoning bylaws and insisted that no animal slaughtering occurs at his residence. (Christian D’Avino/ )

The Municipality of Clarington informed that after a comprehensive investigation, it found “no evidence” of illegal slaughterhouses in Clarington or on Bhuiyan’s property.

Despite this, Bhuiyan mentioned his family has endured harassment such as drones flying over their land, social media posts calling for his house to be burned down, and his address being made public.

Earlier this week, Bhuiyan and his wife were confronted outside their home, leaving them feeling “traumatized,” he reported.

This encounter was filmed by John Mutton, former mayor of Bowmanville. Mutton had been labeled “Mr. X” in reports regarding Greenbelt land removal and was subsequently banned from lobbying for at least two years.

Mutton told he acted on behalf of an “army of people” concerned about alleged animal welfare issues.

Former mayor denies claims of harassment

“People came to me to raise the issue,” Mutton said. “I’m not in charge of [the protest]. I’m just a guy that’s going out there and talking at the residents’ request.”

Mutton dismissed any notion that his actions – or those of other “concerned” residents – amounted to harassment.

When asked why he showed up at Bhuiyan’s property recently, Mutton explained he was invited by a reporter from an online publication to visit the site showcasing Bhuiyan’s operations.

Former Bowmanville mayor John Mutton claimed he’s representing an ‘army of people’ worried about alleged animal welfare violations. (John Mutton/Linked In)

Mutton challenged the findings from the municipal investigation which cleared the farm of wrongdoing; asserting that as a former mayor he possesses expertise regarding bylaw matters.

He even claimed that the pond located on Bhuiyan’s property is an “illegal” expansion violating building bylaws.

The municipality confirmed that building inspectors discovered code issues “unrelated” to meat processing at the site but did not specify what those violations were. The letter received by Bhuiyan indicated there were two structures built without necessary permits issued. While no fines or teardown orders were issued against him initially, he was simply requested to apply for permits before compliance orders could be enforced.

Mutton has also raised concerns online about other properties across Clarington and Canada calling for investigations into what he deems “illegal slaughterhouses,” particularly those operating as halal facilities.

“This has nothing to do with race or religion,” he asserted to while emphasizing his motives are purely regulatory purposes.

An advocacy group’s perspective on online hate

Omar Khamissa from the National Council of Canadian Muslims highlighted how targeting farms like Bhuiyan’s contributes to rising Islamophobia turning digital platforms into spaces where conspiracy theories thrive.
“It started as something online then morfed into actual harassment campaigns & threats,” Khamissa noted while mentioning how influential figures like Mutton escalated misinformation sharing. The NCCM calls for stricter laws concerning online harm prevention so these campaigns don’t lead towards violence similar recent events such as 2021 terror attacks in London Ont., Quebec City mosque shootings back in 2017 along with most recent San Diego mosque shooting occurred last May. Khamissa remarked: “There’s got to be some boundaries here.. We’re dealing beyond just one family now-we’re discussing what kind society we aspire towards.”The federal government’s upcoming legislation called “Combatting Hate Act”, reforming parts within Canada’s hate-crime laws will take effect later this month.

Cops looking into incidents alongside presence during protests

Durham Region police have confirmed they are probing these incidents further-Constable Nick Gluckstein sent out email noting services monitoring growing amount social media commentary received formal complaints too.“DRPS still investigating evaluating circumstances assessing if any Criminal Code offenses took place.” Gluckstein added police would show presence Friday during protest scheduled near farm ensuring safety maintaining order around area.
Meanwhile despite fears looming over them -Bhuyan emphasized remaining committed staying put working hard alongside loved ones tending towards their farmland efforts.“Canada is peaceful country.. regardless race faith gender… we’re all Canadians.” He voiced determination stating: “Somebody must intervene halt nonsense unfolding here.”

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