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

The nation’s food inspection agency has announced it intends to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the supreme court declined to halt the disputed eradication.

Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

On Thursday eliminated any judicial obstacle to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, 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 granted an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

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

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

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, despite many within his political group protesting against the slaughter.

He told the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Interest and Proposals

A number of high-profile figures from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

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

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

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations.

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

The ranch operators said that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or recovered, the group has acquired at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Ranch Representative Reaction

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the agency was killing birds in good health.

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

A partner said he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, determined that permitting the birds to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

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

Eradication Methods

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

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

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Latest Updates

According to media sources, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.