🔗 Share this article Government Proceeds with Full Eradication Strategy to Cull 400 Flightless Birds Canada’s food inspection agency stated it plans to begin a total removal of numerous ostriches at a ranch after the country’s top court declined to stop the controversial slaughter. Judicial Impediments Removed by Supreme Court Decision On Thursday eliminated all legal barrier to starting the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to cull almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu. Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business. Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case. Political and Public Reactions The escalating dispute over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on online platforms. The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators. The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his political group protesting against the cull. He told reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”. Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals A number of high-profile figures from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada. The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his property in Florida. An American billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order. Health and Ethical Arguments The national authorities said the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with wider guidance from international health bodies. However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to perform additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators said that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches. Farm Representative Reaction Recently, the ranch representative, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds. “These are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they will not survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated. A partner said he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”. Court and Agency Findings A national court, however, determined that permitting the birds to stay alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans. The agency has not announced when it plans to start slaughtering the birds. Eradication Methods An older agency manual, acquired under freedom of information laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the bird by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation. Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on site. Latest Updates As per reports, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the bird enclosure.