CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull in British Columbia
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will proceed with the "complete depopulation" of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear the farm owners' appeal against the cull order.
According to a CFIA statement released Thursday, the agency has complied with all court orders and expects the ostrich farm owners and their supporters to do the same after the Supreme Court's judgment.
Legal Background and Court Decisions
The High Court's refusal to hear the final appeal comes over ten months after the CFIA issued the cull order upon detecting an avian flu outbreak at the farm. Earlier court decisions in Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal had already ruled against the farm owners, clearing the way for the cull.
Reaction from Supporters at the Farm
Supporters formed a prayer circle while co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the Supreme Court's decision, expressing hope:
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet.”
Meanwhile, emotions ran high, with one protester calling the CFIA “criminals” and declaring intentions to leave Canada, while another described the decision as “disgusting.”
Author's Summary
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal allows the CFIA to proceed with the culling of ostriches at the B.C. farm amid avian flu concerns, sparking emotional responses from supporters.