Authorities Proceeds with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Slaughter 400 Ostriches
Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it intends to begin a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a farm following the highest judicial body declined to stop the disputed cull.
Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision
The recent judicial decision removed any legal impediment to commencing the culling.
Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in the month of May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, due to concerns of an spread of bird flu.
Recently, authorities took over of the business.
Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.
On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.
Political and Societal Responses
The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.
The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.
Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he backed protesters.
The Conservative figure has avoided making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his political group protesting against the slaughter.
He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.
International Interest and Proposals
Several high-profile figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.
The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.
An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.
Scientific and Ethical Debates
The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step consistent with wider guidance from global health organizations.
However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to conduct further testing on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus.
The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, 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 extent and reliability of testing on the birds.
Farm Spokesperson Reaction
Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.
“They are prehistoric animals that have survived millions of years, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.
A co-owner expressed he was concerned that there is no justice left”.
Court and Agency Findings
A national court, however, determined that allowing the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the transmission of bird flu to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans.
The authority has not announced when it plans to start culling the ostriches.
Culling Methods
An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one person to restrain 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 agency can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.
Recent Updates
According to reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the bird enclosure.