🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Strategy to Cull 400 Ostriches Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it aims to initiate a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the country’s top court refused to stop the contentious cull. Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision Thursday’s ruling removed all legal impediment to starting the culling. The ostrich farm, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered 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 business. Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. Midweek, Canada’s supreme court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Societal Responses The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media. The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. In early October, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by journalists whether he supported the demonstrators. The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, despite many within his party protesting against the slaughter. He told the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name. Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals Several high-profile individuals from the US have lobbied Canadian officials. The American health chief offered to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida. An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive. Scientific and Ethical Debates The national authorities said the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the transmission of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to conduct additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches. Ranch Spokesperson Response Recently, the ranch representative, told the press that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health. “They are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said. A partner said he was “afraid that there is no justice left”. Court and Agency Decisions A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people. The authority has not announced when it plans to start slaughtering the ostriches. Culling Procedures A 2016 guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, states ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection. Staff can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks. Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises. Recent Updates As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.