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The nation’s food inspection agency stated it intends to begin a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a ranch following the country’s top court declined to halt the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling eliminated any legal barrier to beginning the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

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

In early October, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

He told reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

Cross-Border Involvement and Offers

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

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in Florida.

An US billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Moral Debates

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

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to perform further testing 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 group has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

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

Farm Spokesperson Reaction

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

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

A co-owner expressed he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Agency Findings

A national court, on the other hand, determined that permitting the birds to remain alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to people.

The agency has not announced when it expects to start culling the birds.

Culling Methods

An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by restraining it, 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 “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Updates

As per reports, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents started installing additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.