Generally the consumption of goat meat in Canada falls into 2 distinct product types. First, is the market for milk-fed kids in the range of 25 to 45 pounds live weight. This is a specialty market that occurs at Christmas and Easter. Farm gate sales to consumers requires access to a large urban ethnic population. Farm gate sales directly to consumers include live goats, goats processed by an abattoir and goats that are butchered on the farm for the consumer.
Farmers have the right to sell live animals to anyone.
Essentially, for goat meat to be sold, it must be inspected. Selling a live animal then allowing the consumer to slaughter the goat on the farm is also prohibited. Goat meat processed in local plants is for local consumption. Federal Regulations require goat meat to be processed in federally inspected facilities if it is to be shipped inter-provincially. It is important to note that mutton or beef are often substituted in these spicy dishes without affecting the taste.