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The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the supreme court refused to halt the controversial slaughter.

Legal Impediments Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated any legal barrier to commencing the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, due to concerns of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The case has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

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

International Interest and Proposals

A number of high-profile figures from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada.

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

An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order.

Health and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a step in line with wider advice from global health organizations.

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

The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or healed, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Representative Reaction

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

“They are prehistoric animals that have survived millions of years, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A partner expressed he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Court and Agency Findings

A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to people.

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

Culling Methods

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, says ostriches 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 a third to administer the injection.

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

Members of the organization can only shoot the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Recent Developments

As per reports, shortly after the judicial decision, inspection agents started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.