One of the reasons for the decline in livestock numbers in Shirak is the absence of slaughterhouses. The state fines for selling meat obtained outside of slaughterhouses, but does not build slaughterhouses. The Akhuryan community has decided to address the issue on its own by acquiring a mobile modular slaughterhouse, which will start operating by the end of the year.
On February 3 of this year, livestock breeders and meat sellers from Shirak gathered at the regional administration to protest against the lack of slaughterhouses and the fines imposed by the Food Safety Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia. They demanded that the state, alongside writing laws, also ensure their enforcement, meaning that slaughterhouses should be built, but instead, only fines are imposed for selling meat obtained outside of slaughterhouses.
“The government does not build state slaughterhouses; it creates opportunities. We are discussing with mayors various options for building municipal slaughterhouses through different subventions or other means. If an unfortunate incident occurs due to sold meat, the responsibility will fall on the meat seller. The meat must be checked and safe,” said Shirak Governor David Arshunyan in a conversation with journalists.
Practical steps to establish a slaughterhouse in the consolidated community of Akhuryan were taken as early as October 2025. The community conducted two price inquiries to acquire a mobile modular slaughterhouse from “Vet Holding” LLC and “Harutyunyan Consulting” LLC.
In December 2025, a purchase agreement was signed between the Akhuryan community administration and “Vet Holding” LLC for approximately 49,400,000 drams, with the third party being the closed joint-stock company “Development and Investment Corporation of Armenia.”
Within the framework of the leasing support program for agricultural equipment and the Development and Investment Corporation of Armenia (DICA), a mobile modular slaughterhouse was provided to Akhuryan on a leasing basis. Thanks to government subsidization, the leasing is provided at an annual interest rate of 2%.
The launch of the slaughterhouse will enable the slaughter of agricultural animals in accordance with modern food safety standards, providing consumers with quality and safe food.
