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The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm following the country’s top court declined to halt the controversial cull.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed all judicial obstacle to beginning the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by reporters whether he backed protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.

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

International Interest and Proposals

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 the Sunshine State.

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

Health and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the authority to perform additional tests on the animals to verify they are infected.

The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Spokesperson Reaction

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A co-owner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Court and Agency Findings

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

The authority has not said at what time it plans to start slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Methods

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Members of the agency can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Latest Updates

According to reports, shortly after the judicial decision, inspection agents started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.