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The nation’s food safety authority revealed it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the highest judicial body refused to halt the disputed cull.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling removed all judicial obstacle to commencing the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Recently, officials seized control of the business.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court issued an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Reactions

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms.

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

In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his political group protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

Cross-Border Involvement and Offers

Several high-profile individuals from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada.

The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move consistent with broader advice from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to perform additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or recovered, the group has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

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

Farm Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the agency was killing healthy birds.

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

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

Court and Agency Decisions

A federal court, however, found that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the ostriches.

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the agency can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Updates

As per reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.