🔗 Share this article

The nation’s food safety authority stated it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch following the country’s top court refused to block the contentious slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

The recent judicial decision removed any legal impediment to beginning the slaughter.

The ostrich farm, located close to the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in the month of May to cull close to 400 ostriches, due to fears of an outbreak of bird flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

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 considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Societal Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

The case has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his political group protesting against the cull.

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

International Involvement and Offers

Several prominent figures from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada.

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

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

Scientific and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was following a eradication approach in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a move consistent with wider advice from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to conduct further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

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

Farm Spokesperson Reaction

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they will not survive the government agency,” she said.

A partner expressed he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

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

The agency has not said when it plans to start culling the birds.

Culling Methods

An older guideline document, obtained under public access laws, states ostriches can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being injection, which requires 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.

Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.