🔗 Share this article

Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it plans to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the supreme court declined to stop the disputed eradication.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed any legal impediment to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to concerns of an spread of bird flu.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the business.

Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

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

Political and Public Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to descend on the farm, with many expressing their anger on online platforms.

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

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he supported protesters.

The Conservative figure has avoided making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group protesting against the slaughter.

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

Cross-Border Interest and Offers

A number of prominent figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his property in Florida.

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a eradication approach in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with broader advice from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to conduct further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death happened on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

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

Farm Representative Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the authority was killing birds in good health.

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

A partner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Court and Agency Findings

A federal court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to stay alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to people.

The agency has not said when it expects to start slaughtering the ostriches.

Eradication Methods

A 2016 guideline document, acquired under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

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

Recent Updates

According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.