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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it plans to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm after the country’s top court refused to block the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed all legal impediment to starting the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, Canada’s supreme court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Societal Responses

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many expressing their anger on social media.

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

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his party voicing opposition against the slaughter.

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

International Involvement and Proposals

Several prominent individuals from the United States have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to move the ostriches to his ranch in Florida.

An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was following a eradication policy in order to limit the transmission of avian flu, a step in line with wider guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the authority to perform additional tests on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and reliability of the tests on the ostriches.

Ranch Representative Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

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

A co-owner said he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, determined that permitting the birds to remain alive could lead to the transmission of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The authority has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the birds.

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, obtained under public access laws, states ostriches can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only shoot the birds “as a last resort”, 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 flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.