The culling of over 300 ostriches in British Columbia has ignited a heated debate, drawing attention from across Canada and beyond. The birds, owned by Universal Ostrich Farms, were ordered to be euthanized after two tested positive for avian flu (H5N1) following an outbreak that claimed 69 birds. Despite a months-long legal battle that reached the Supreme Court of Canada, the farm owners were unable to overturn the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision. The court dismissed the case on Thursday, allowing the cull to proceed. The decision has been met with widespread protest, with supporters including American grocery billionaire John Catsimatidis, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, who even offered to adopt the birds. The farm’s co-owner, Katie Pasitney, expressed her devastation in a tearful video, stating, ‘Shame on you Canada. The world is watching.’ The ostriches had become a political symbol, with critics accusing the Canadian government of overreach. The case has also highlighted tensions in the small town of Edgewood, where the farm is located, with local businesses reporting disruptions caused by protesters. The CFIA defended its decision, emphasizing the need to protect public health and Canada’s poultry industry. Meanwhile, Kennedy and others have argued for studying the birds for potential immunity to avian flu, rather than culling them. The saga has underscored the complexities of balancing public health measures with ethical and legal concerns.
Gunshots end months-long Canadian ostrich cull saga that captivated RFK Jr
