🔗 Share this article Government Proceeds with Full Eradication Strategy to Cull 400 Flightless Birds Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a ranch following the highest judicial body refused to stop the disputed cull. Judicial Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling Thursday’s ruling eliminated any judicial obstacle to beginning the culling. The ostrich farm, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an spread of bird flu. Earlier this week, officials seized control of the operation. Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Societal Reactions The escalating dispute over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many expressing their frustration on social media. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators. The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his party protesting against the cull. He informed the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name. Cross-Border Interest and Offers Several prominent individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials. The American health chief offered to move the birds to his property in the Sunshine State. An American billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to rescind its eradication directive. Health and Moral Arguments The national authorities stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a move consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations. However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to perform further testing on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or recovered, the group has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the ostriches. Ranch Representative Reaction Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was killing birds in good health. “They are prehistoric animals that have endured millions of years, 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 Authority Decisions A federal court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to stay alive could result in the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people. The authority has not said when it expects to start culling the ostriches. Culling Methods An older agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks. Members of the organization can only shoot the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises. Latest Updates According to reports, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.