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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm following the country’s top court refused to halt the contentious eradication.

Legal Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed any legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine ostriches have already died after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated protesters to gather at the property, with many expressing their anger on social media.

The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere.

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by reporters whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, even though many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

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

International Interest and Proposals

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

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

An American billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a move in line with wider advice from international health bodies.

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

The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches.

Ranch Spokesperson Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the agency was “murdering” healthy birds.

“These are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she said.

A co-owner said he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the transmission of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

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

Eradication Procedures

A 2016 agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs three people: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Developments

According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.