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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a total removal of numerous ostriches at a ranch following the supreme court declined to block the disputed cull.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

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

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in the month of May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

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

Governmental and Public Reactions

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by journalists whether he supported protesters.

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

He informed the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to move the birds to his property in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to rescind its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Debates

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a move consistent with wider guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the authority to perform further testing on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has acquired at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and reliability of testing on the ostriches.

Ranch Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she stated.

A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Agency Findings

A national court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the birds to remain alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not said when it plans to begin slaughtering the ostriches.

Culling Procedures

A 2016 agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires three people: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Recent Developments

According to 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.