The owner of a Mahoning Township business that slaughters goats says he wants to move forward — and ease tensions with township officials and neighbors.

Moeed Malik, owner of Alif Farms, told the board of supervisors last week that he plans to remove a disputed fence and withdraw his appeal over it.

The announcement came after supervisors approved several related actions involving the ongoing dispute. All measures passed 4-0. Supervisor Ron Reeser was absent. Township solicitor Megan Nanovic said one of the actions was taken so the township could participate in the case if needed.

Public comment

Before Malik addressed the board, several residents again voiced concerns about the operation.

Todd Wingert asked if there was any update on zoning.

Sharon Fields questioned whether the goats are slaughtered humanely.

“I don’t think it’s good for the community,” Fields said.

Board Chair Deb McGowan responded that the process is carried out as humanely as possible.

“We’re trying to get it done, but there’s a process,” McGowan said. “We haven’t forgotten about you; please bear with us.” McGowan said the township’s recent action was required because of an appeal filed by Alif Farms.

Owner addresses board

Malik, who arrived after the meeting began, later addressed the board and residents directly.

Wingert told Malik he believes the business needs more surrounding property.

“There are odors and flies,” Wingert said. “It would be nice if your property (had more space).”

Malik replied that if another parcel were approved for slaughterhouse use, he would consider moving the operation.

Supervisor Carol Etheridge noted the facility had previously operated as a butcher shop, not a slaughterhouse. Malik said he was aware of that.

“Everything that’s there has been there,” Malik said. “My family has been in this business for longer than I’m alive.” He asked what he could do to get everyone “on the same page.”

Township solicitor Tom Nanovic asked if there was a direct way for complaints to reach him.

Malik said pest control services the property weekly. He added that the business has tried contacting the township’s garbage collector because it has not been provided a garbage can.

“I can send records to you on a month-to-month basis,” he said.

Resident Pam Wuest asked about the safe and humane transport of goats. Malik said an inspector is present during unloading and that the operation follows strict humane regulations.

“We have an open-door policy,” Malik said. “If we’re doing something wrong, there would be press releases from the USDA.”

Wuest suggested that explaining the process more clearly might reduce opposition. Wingert agreed.

“It’s hard for the neighbors because they hear the animals,” Wingert said.

Malik said the fence was installed as a secondary barrier to keep animals from reaching the street.

“Try not to believe everything you hear,” Malik said. “I have an odor abatement plan in place.”

To limit noise, he said slaughtering typically takes place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Months of debate

A small but steady group of residents has raised concerns since July about goat slaughtering at Alif Farms.

In December, Wingert again questioned whether the business should operate as a slaughterhouse. McGowan said she spoke with John Nano of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who told her at the time that Alif Farms was “committing no violations” and “isn’t doing anything illegal.” She said the farm is licensed to handle meat, but the board is still waiting to hear from Nano’s supervisor regarding liability questions.

Wingert has also raised concerns about waste disposal.

Last month, he said he was on his “sixth rat trap” and described the operation as doing “goat load after goat load.” He said he has lived on his property since 1982 and never had rats until garbage bags began piling up, adding that there is now a rat problem in the neighborhood. Attorney Holly Heintzelman questioned whether the owner of the former Heintzelman’s Meat Market had been notified that a zoning permit was revoked. A fence permit issued to Alif Farms was revoked in October after her appeal.

She argued the property is too small for that number of animals and said her water line is now fenced off, limiting access.

In June the township code enforcement cited the property for livestock kept on-site, the fence and slaughter operations, and concerns about waste disposal and odor control.

Alif Farms advertises halal slaughtering and live animal sales. The property is owned by Alif Farms LLC, and the facility is operated by Alif Meat Packing LLC.