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The nation’s food safety authority has announced it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a ranch following the highest judicial body declined to stop the disputed eradication.

Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed all legal barrier to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

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

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Societal Responses

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many expressing their anger on social media.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

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

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, even though many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

Cross-Border Involvement and Offers

Several prominent figures from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada.

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

An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step in line with wider advice from global health organizations.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus.

The ranch operators said that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and reliability of testing on the ostriches.

Farm Spokesperson Response

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

“They are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they will not survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

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

Court and Agency Decisions

A national court, on the other hand, found that allowing the birds to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not announced at what time it plans to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Procedures

A 2016 agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended 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 organization can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Developments

As per media sources, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.