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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the highest judicial body refused to stop the controversial slaughter.

Judicial Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed all legal impediment to commencing the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of bird flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

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

Governmental and Public Reactions

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms.

The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

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

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

He informed reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

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

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order.

Health and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and reliability of the tests on the ostriches.

Farm Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

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

A co-owner said he was “afraid that there is no justice left”.

Court and Authority Findings

A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not said at what time it plans to start culling the birds.

Culling Methods

An older agency manual, obtained under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation.

Employees of the agency can only shoot the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Recent Developments

According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.