Hundreds of Ostriches at B.C. Farm Set for Culling After Court Decision
Tensions have somewhat eased around the Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. Although ostriches remain in the fields, efforts by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) agents to capture the birds appear to have paused for now. Observers note that straw bale walls encircle the corral, limiting visibility of ongoing activities.
Supporters of the farm have gathered along the road, but their chanting has subsided. The CFIA maintains its plan to euthanize the ostriches, but the timing and whether any birds have already been culled remain uncertain.
Farm Committed to Challenging CFIA Policies
Universal Ostrich spokesperson Katie Pasitney addressed gathered supporters, promising to continue advocacy against the CFIA's current policy, which mandates culling all birds in a flock infected with avian flu.
“They will pay for everything they’ve done here. We will hold you accountable.”
With limited legal avenues after the court's dismissal of their appeal, Universal Ostrich pledges to make reforming CFIA's "stamping-out" approach their "life’s mission."
Current Situation and Next Steps
- Ostriches remain at the farm but are not currently being rounded up.
- Supporters have reduced their vocal protests but continue to show presence.
- The timeline for the culling remains unspecified by the CFIA.
- The farm intends to push for policy changes despite legal setbacks.
Follow-up Coverage
This live update has ended, with further coverage to be provided by CBC at their website.
Author’s summary: The Universal Ostrich farm in B.C. faces a pending cull after a top court rejected its appeal; supporters vow to challenge the CFIA’s fatal avian flu policy despite limited legal options.