🔗 Share this article Authorities Proceeds with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Slaughter 400 Ostriches The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it intends to begin a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the country’s top court declined to stop the disputed slaughter. Judicial Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling On Thursday eliminated any legal impediment to beginning the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, due to fears of an spread of bird flu. Recently, officials seized control of the operation. Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness. Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Public Reactions The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many expressing their anger on online platforms. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators. The Conservative figure has steered clear of making specific comments on the matter, even though many within his party protesting against the slaughter. He told the press the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Involvement and Offers A number of prominent figures from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada. The US health secretary proposed to move the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State. An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order. Health and Moral Arguments The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step in line with broader advice from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform further testing on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or recovered, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of the tests on the birds. Farm Representative Response On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health. “They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said. A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”. Court and Authority Findings A national court, however, found that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans. The agency has not announced when it expects to start slaughtering the ostriches. Culling Methods An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs three people: one person to restrain the bird by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection. Staff 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 “skilled marksman” on site. Recent Developments According to reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and bright lights around a makeshift pen near the rear of the bird enclosure.