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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the supreme court declined to stop the controversial cull.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all judicial obstacle to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an spread of bird flu.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the business.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case.

Political and Public Reactions

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has steered clear of making specific comments on the matter, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

He told reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

Cross-Border Interest and Proposals

Several prominent figures from the United States have petitioned Canadian officials.

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

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

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct further testing on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or healed, the group has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches.

Ranch Representative Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the agency was killing healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

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

Court and Agency Findings

A national court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not said at what time it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Methods

An older agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff 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 trained shooter on site.

Recent Developments

According to reports, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.