Canada’s Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal to halt the contentious culling of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia, leaving the farm owners with limited legal recourse. The cull was mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in December following an avian flu outbreak that claimed the lives of 69 birds. Despite the farm’s efforts to challenge the order, including proposing the use of surviving ostriches for scientific research, the courts have consistently upheld the CFIA’s decision. The agency argues that the birds’ exposure to the virus poses significant risks to both wildlife and humans, disputing claims of immunity among the surviving flock. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal on Thursday paves the way for the cull to proceed, though the CFIA has not specified a timeline. The farm owners, including Katie Pasitney, who tearfully appealed for a miracle on social media, now face the grim reality of losing their flock. Protesters gathered at the farm as the court’s decision was announced, highlighting the emotional and ethical dimensions of the case. The CFIA has emphasized its expectation that the farm owners and their supporters will respect the legal outcome.
Appeal to stop controversial ostrich cull dismissed by Canada’s top court
