🔗 Share this article Authorities Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Strategy to Slaughter 400 Flightless Birds The nation’s food inspection agency stated it intends to begin a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch following the country’s top court declined to block the controversial slaughter. Judicial Impediments Removed by Court Ruling The recent judicial decision eliminated any legal barrier to beginning the killings. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an spread of avian influenza. Recently, authorities took over of the operation. Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. Midweek, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt 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 distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on social media. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he supported protesters. The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his political group protesting against the cull. He told reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word “ostrich”. Cross-Border Involvement and Offers Several prominent individuals from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada. The American health chief proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State. An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive. Scientific and Moral Debates The national authorities said the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a move in line with broader guidance from international health bodies. However, animal rights organizations have urged the authority to perform further testing on the birds to confirm they are infected. The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds. Ranch Spokesperson Reaction Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the agency was “murdering” healthy birds. “These are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she said. A co-owner expressed he was concerned that there is no justice left”. Judicial and Authority Findings A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to people. The agency has not said when it plans to begin slaughtering the birds. Eradication Procedures An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks. Members of the agency can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site. Recent Updates According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the ostrich pen.