🔗 Share this article Government Proceeds with Full Eradication Plan to Cull 400 Flightless Birds The nation’s food inspection agency stated it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the country’s top court declined to block the disputed slaughter. Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision On Thursday removed all judicial obstacle to commencing the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an outbreak of bird flu. Recently, officials seized control of the operation. Sixty-nine ostriches have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case. Governmental and Public Responses The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media. The case has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by journalists whether he supported protesters. The Conservative figure has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter. He told the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name. International Involvement and Offers Several high-profile figures from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada. The US health secretary proposed to move the birds to his property in Florida. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive. Health and Ethical Arguments The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the transmission of avian flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to conduct further testing on the birds to verify they are infected. The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or healed, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also cast doubt on the scope and reliability of testing on the birds. Farm Spokesperson Response On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the media that the authority was killing healthy birds. “These are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated. A co-owner said he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”. Judicial and Agency Findings A federal court, on the other hand, found that allowing the birds to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans. The agency has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the birds. Eradication Methods A 2016 agency manual, obtained under public access laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks. Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises. Latest Updates As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.