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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the country’s top court declined to halt the contentious cull.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated any legal barrier to starting the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid fears of an outbreak of bird flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Responses

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

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

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was questioned twice 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 party protesting against the cull.

He informed the press the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

Cross-Border Interest and Proposals

A number of prominent figures from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the birds to his property in Florida.

An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a step in line with wider advice from global health organizations.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to conduct further testing on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus.

The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Ranch Representative Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the press that the agency was killing healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she stated.

A co-owner expressed he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, found that permitting the birds to stay alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The authority has not announced when it plans to start slaughtering the ostriches.

Culling Methods

An older agency manual, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be killed by various methods, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one person to restrain the bird 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.

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

Latest Updates

As per reports, soon after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.