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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch following the country’s top court declined to block the disputed slaughter.

Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

The recent judicial decision eliminated all judicial obstacle to commencing the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Recently, officials seized control of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak 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.

Political and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on 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 questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he backed protesters.

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

He told reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

International Interest and Offers

Several prominent individuals from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada.

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 reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Arguments

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

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

The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death happened on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Representative Reaction

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

“These are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they will not survive the government agency,” she said.

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

Court and Agency Decisions

A federal court, however, found that permitting the birds to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not said at what time it plans to begin slaughtering the ostriches.

Culling Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

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

Members of the agency 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, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.