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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it plans to begin a total removal of numerous ostriches at a farm following the highest judicial body declined to stop the controversial slaughter.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

The recent judicial decision removed any legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the business.

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

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Societal Responses

The growing row over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms.

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

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has avoided making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

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

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

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

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

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Moral Debates

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

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to conduct 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 seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the birds.

Ranch Spokesperson Reaction

Recently, the ranch representative, informed the press that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

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

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to remain alive could result in the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not announced at what time it expects to start culling the ostriches.

Culling Procedures

An older agency manual, obtained under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Members of the agency can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Developments

As per reports, soon after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.