🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Slaughter 400 Ostriches The nation’s food inspection agency stated it plans to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm after the highest judicial body declined to stop the controversial cull. Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling The recent judicial decision eliminated all legal barrier to commencing the killings. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in the month of May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu. Earlier this week, 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 granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case. Political and Public Responses The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media. The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter. He informed reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Interest and Offers A number of prominent figures from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada. The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its cull order. Health and Moral Arguments The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a move consistent with wider guidance from global health organizations. However, animal rights organizations have called on the agency to conduct further testing on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus. The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or healed, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and reliability of testing on the ostriches. Ranch Spokesperson Response Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the agency was killing birds in good health. “These are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she said. A co-owner expressed he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”. Court and Authority Findings A federal court, on the other hand, determined that permitting the birds to remain alive could result in the spread of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans. The agency has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the ostriches. Eradication Methods An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks. Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises. Recent Updates According to media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.