🔗 Share this article

The nation’s food safety authority has announced it intends to start a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the supreme court declined to block the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

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

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to fears of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

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

Governmental and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their anger on social media.

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

In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed protesters.

The Conservative figure has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter.

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

Cross-Border Interest and Offers

Several high-profile figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

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

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

Health and Ethical Debates

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 consistent with broader advice from international health bodies.

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

The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

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

Ranch Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was killing healthy birds.

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

A co-owner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Court and Agency Decisions

A federal court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it plans to start slaughtering the ostriches.

Eradication Procedures

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Latest Developments

As per reports, soon after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.