🔗 Share this article

Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it aims to initiate a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the supreme court refused to stop the disputed eradication.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all legal barrier to starting the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to gather at the farm, with many expressing their anger on online platforms.

The situation has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Involvement and Offers

A number of high-profile figures from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in Florida.

An American wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was following a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move in line with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the authority to conduct additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Ranch Spokesperson Reaction

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured millions of years, but they will not survive the government agency,” she stated.

A co-owner said he was “afraid that there is no justice left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, on the other hand, found that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not announced at what time it plans to begin slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Procedures

An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states the birds can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks.

Employees of the agency can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Updates

As per media sources, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.