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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it plans to begin a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the highest judicial body refused to stop the contentious eradication.

Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling removed all judicial obstacle to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Interest and Offers

Several high-profile figures from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was following a eradication approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step in line with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to perform additional tests on the animals to confirm they are infected.

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 acquired at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.

A partner said he was “afraid 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 remain alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to different species, the livestock sector – or to people.

The authority has not announced when it plans to start slaughtering the birds.

Culling Methods

An older agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states ostriches can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks.

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Recent Developments

According to reports, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the rear of the bird enclosure.