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Canada’s food inspection agency stated it aims to start a total removal of numerous ostriches at a ranch following the highest judicial body declined to block the controversial slaughter.

Legal Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed any judicial obstacle to starting the culling.

The ostrich farm, located close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, due to concerns of an spread of bird flu.

Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

In early October, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his political group protesting against the cull.

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

International Interest and Offers

A number of prominent individuals from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada.

The American health chief offered to relocate the birds to his property in the Sunshine State.

An American billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order.

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 move in line with broader guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to conduct additional tests on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or healed, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and reliability of the tests on the ostriches.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they won’t survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A partner said he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not said at what time it plans to start culling the birds.

Eradication Methods

An older agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Recent Updates

According to reports, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the ostrich pen.