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Canada’s food safety authority stated it intends to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a farm after the highest judicial body declined to block the disputed eradication.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated any legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, due to fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

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

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Public Responses

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their anger on online platforms.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

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

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, even though many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

International Interest and Offers

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada.

The American health chief offered to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida.

An American wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the authorities to rescind its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a move 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 ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Representative Response

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the media that the authority was killing birds in good health.

“They are prehistoric animals that have survived millions of years, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

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

Judicial and Authority Findings

A national court, however, determined that allowing the birds to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The authority has not said at what time it expects to start slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Methods

An older guideline document, obtained under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Recent Developments

According to media sources, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the ostrich pen.