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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a farm following the country’s top court refused to block the disputed eradication.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling removed all legal impediment to starting the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an outbreak of bird flu.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Responses

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

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

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

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his party protesting against the slaughter.

He informed the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

International Interest and Proposals

Several prominent figures from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to move the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

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 spread of avian flu, a move in line with wider guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform further testing on the birds to verify 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 healthy or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the agency was “murdering” healthy birds.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A partner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, found that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Methods

An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Personnel can also use gas 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 site.

Recent Updates

According to media sources, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.