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The nation’s food inspection agency has announced it intends to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch following the country’s top court refused to halt the controversial slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all legal barrier to beginning the culling.

The ostrich farm, located close to the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the operation.

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

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

Governmental and Societal Responses

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a simmering 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, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

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

He told the press the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Offers

A number of high-profile figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to relocate the birds to his property in Florida.

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

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step in line with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the authority to conduct additional tests on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the group has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

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

Farm Representative Reaction

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

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

A co-owner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Court and Agency Decisions

A national court, however, determined that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The authority has not said when it plans to start culling the birds.

Eradication Methods

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Members of the organization can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Recent Developments

As per media sources, soon 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.