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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it intends to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a ranch after the highest judicial body declined to stop the contentious eradication.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision eliminated any judicial obstacle to beginning the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to cull nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Societal Reactions

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

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 protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He informed reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent individuals from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada.

The US health secretary proposed to move the birds to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

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

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step in line with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to perform additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected.

The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches.

Farm Representative Reaction

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

“These are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A partner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Judicial and Authority Findings

A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The authority has not said when it plans to start culling the ostriches.

Culling Methods

A 2016 guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks.

Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Recent Developments

According to media sources, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.