Government Proceeds with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Slaughter 400 Flightless Birds

The nation’s food safety authority has announced it plans to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a farm after the highest judicial body refused to block the disputed cull.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed any legal barrier to starting the killings.

The ostrich farm, located near the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an outbreak of bird flu.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Political and Public Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their anger on online platforms.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by journalists whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.

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

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent figures from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to move the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.

An American billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to rescind its eradication directive.

Health and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the transmission of avian flu, a move in line with broader guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to perform 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 January 15th, with the remaining birds seeming healthy or recovered, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

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

Ranch Representative Response

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

“They are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

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

Court and Authority Decisions

A federal court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The authority has not announced at what time it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Methods

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, 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 use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Recent Updates

According to media sources, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.