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The nation’s food safety authority stated it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a farm following the highest judicial body declined to stop the disputed eradication.

Legal Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to cull almost four hundred birds, amid fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme 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 ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to descend on the property, with many expressing their anger on social media.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the opposition 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 political group voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He informed the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

Several prominent individuals from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada.

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

An US billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its eradication directive.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with broader advice from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to perform further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the agency was killing healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.

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

Judicial and Agency Findings

A national court, on the other hand, found that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it plans to start slaughtering the ostriches.

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Members of the organization can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to reports, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.