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The nation’s food safety authority stated it aims to initiate a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch following the highest judicial body refused to block the controversial cull.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling removed any judicial obstacle to commencing the slaughter.

The ostrich farm, situated close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of bird flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Political and Public Responses

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

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

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by journalists whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

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

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

Several high-profile figures from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada.

The US health secretary proposed to move the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the authorities to rescind its cull order.

Scientific and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations.

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

The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the press that the agency was “murdering” healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she said.

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

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, found that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to people.

The agency has not said at what time it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Procedures

An older guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being lethal injection, which needs three people: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Employees of the organization can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.