🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Cull 400 Ostriches The nation’s food safety authority revealed it plans to begin a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the country’s top court refused to halt the controversial slaughter. Legal Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling The recent judicial decision eliminated all legal impediment to starting the killings. The ostrich farm, located near the town of Edgewood, was initially directed in the month of May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of avian influenza. Recently, authorities took over of the operation. Sixty-nine birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Public Responses The growing row over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his political group protesting against the slaughter. He informed the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”. Cross-Border Interest and Proposals A number of prominent individuals from the United States have petitioned Canadian officials. The US health secretary offered to move the birds to his property in Florida. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order. Scientific and Ethical Debates The national authorities stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move in line with wider advice from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected. The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or healed, the group has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches. Ranch Representative Reaction On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health. “They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she said. A partner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”. Court and Authority Decisions A national court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to remain alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans. The agency has not said at what time it expects to begin culling the birds. Culling Methods An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be killed by different means, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Members of the agency can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site. Recent Developments According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.