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Canada’s food safety authority has announced it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the country’s top court refused to block the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling

On Thursday eliminated all judicial obstacle to commencing the slaughter.

The ostrich farm, located near the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, Canada’s supreme court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to gather at the property, 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 asked twice by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has avoided making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Interest and Proposals

Several high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with wider advice from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct further testing on the birds to confirm they are infected.

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

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Representative Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the press that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

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

A partner expressed he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Judicial and Authority Findings

A federal court, however, found that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The authority has not announced at what time it plans to begin culling the ostriches.

Eradication Methods

An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or break the birds’ necks.

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

Recent Developments

As per reports, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.