🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with Full Eradication Plan to Slaughter 400 Ostriches The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the highest judicial body declined to halt the disputed slaughter. Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling On Thursday eliminated any judicial obstacle to starting the killings. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an outbreak of avian influenza. Just days ago, officials seized control of the business. Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Societal Responses The escalating dispute over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the cull. He informed the press the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. Cross-Border Interest and Proposals A number of prominent figures from the US have petitioned Canadian officials. The US health secretary proposed to move the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive. Scientific and Ethical Arguments The national authorities stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with wider advice from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to perform further testing on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus. They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds. Ranch Representative Reaction Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds. “They are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they will not survive the government agency,” she said. A co-owner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”. Court and Authority Findings A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to stay alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans. The authority has not announced when it expects to begin culling the ostriches. Culling Methods An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Employees of the agency can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises. Recent Developments As per media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.