Canada's Supreme Court Upholds Ostrich Cull Order

Supreme Court Upholds Ostrich Cull Order

Canada's Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal regarding an order to cull ostriches at a farm in British Columbia. This decision confirms the legality of the cull, initially ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The CFIA issued the cull order in December following an avian flu outbreak at Universal Ostrich Farms. During the outbreak, two birds tested positive for the avian flu, and 69 animals died. Since the order, Universal Ostrich Farms has appealed the decision through lower courts and ultimately sought an appeal with the Supreme Court of Canada. The case has received commentary from various parties, including some senior White House officials.

Lower courts consistently sided with the CFIA's order to cull the birds. With the Supreme Court of Canada's dismissal of the appeal on Thursday, the farm's legal avenues to prevent the cull are significantly limited.

Following the Supreme Court's decision, the CFIA released a statement indicating its intent to "move forward" with the cull. A specific timeline for the cull was not provided. The agency also stated its expectation that the farm owners and their supporters would respect the legal outcome.

Katie Pasitney, a co-owner of Universal Ostrich Farms, commented on the decision via a social media video, expressing strong disapproval and requesting support.

The farm owners have argued that the remaining ostriches, having survived the initial outbreak, could be used for scientific research. They claim these birds may have developed immunity to the avian flu. Conversely, the CFIA maintains that the birds' exposure poses a risk to both wildlife and human populations and disputes the claim of acquired immunity.

The ostriches currently remain on the farm, but their custody has been transferred to the CFIA since late September. On the day the Supreme Court's decision was announced, approximately 60 protesters were present at the farm.