The Supreme Court of Canada rejected the final appeal against the order to cull ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. This ruling removes any legal obstacles for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to proceed with the complete depopulation of the flock.
The CFIA confirmed it will carry out the full cull. While the exact method to euthanize the birds remains uncertain, a CFIA manual outlines possible methods such as breaking necks, lethal injections, gassing, or shooting.
Farm co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news with supporters gathered in a prayer circle, expressing hope:
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet.”
Protesters voiced strong opposition, with one calling the CFIA "criminals" and threatening to leave Canada, while another described the decision as “disgusting.” The group prayed for a “miracle Thursday.”
Supporters had been present at the farm before the ruling, despite rainy conditions. Pasitney, one of the protesters, vowed to dedicate herself to stopping the CFIA's current practices, stating after the verdict:
“It’s murdering, murdering healthy animals that have been 35 years on this planet.”
She emphasized the trauma the animals would endure due to the culling.
The Supreme Court decision clears the way for the CFIA's complete depopulation of the ostrich farm, sparking strong emotional responses from the farm's supporters who remain hopeful for a different outcome.