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The nation’s food inspection agency has announced it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the supreme court declined to halt the contentious eradication.

Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated any judicial obstacle to commencing the culling.

The ostrich farm, located close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Reactions

The growing row over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the matter, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He informed reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent individuals from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada.

The US health secretary proposed to move the ostriches to his property in Florida.

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

Health and Ethical Arguments

The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step in line with wider guidance from global health organizations.

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

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or healed, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

“These are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.

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

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not announced when it expects to begin slaughtering the ostriches.

Culling Methods

A 2016 agency manual, obtained under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which requires multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Recent Developments

According to reports, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.