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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a farm after the country’s top court refused to stop the contentious slaughter.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

On Thursday eliminated all legal barrier to starting the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to cull close to 400 ostriches, due to fears of an spread of bird flu.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Public Responses

The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

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

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

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

Cross-Border Interest and Offers

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

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

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

Scientific and Ethical Debates

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

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the authority to perform further testing on the birds to confirm they are infected.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Representative Response

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

“These are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.

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

Court and Authority Findings

A national court, on the other hand, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The authority has not announced when it plans to start slaughtering the ostriches.

Culling Procedures

An older agency manual, obtained under public access laws, says ostriches 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.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to reports, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.