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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it plans to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the supreme court refused to block the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all legal impediment to beginning the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu.

Recently, officials seized control of the business.

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

Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Societal Responses

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the property, with many expressing their anger on online platforms.

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

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he backed protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, despite many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Offers

A number of prominent individuals from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada.

The American health chief offered to relocate the ostriches to his property in Florida.

An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the transmission of bird flu, a step consistent with wider advice from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected.

The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the birds.

Farm Representative Reaction

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

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

A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Agency Findings

A national court, however, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to people.

The authority has not said when it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Procedures

An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which requires three people: one person to restrain the bird by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Latest Developments

According to reports, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.