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The nation’s food safety authority has announced it intends to begin a total removal of numerous ostriches at a farm after the country’s top court declined to stop the controversial cull.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

On Thursday removed all judicial obstacle to beginning the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an spread of bird flu.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

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

Political and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the slaughter.

He informed reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Interest and Proposals

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief offered to move the birds to his property in the Sunshine State.

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

Health and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move in line with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform additional tests on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and reliability of the tests on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A partner said he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Agency Decisions

A national court, however, found that allowing the birds to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

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

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be killed by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

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

Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Recent Developments

As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.