CFIA Confirms Ostrich Cull in British Columbia After Court Decision
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that it will proceed with the complete depopulation of several hundred ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. The decision follows the Supreme Court of Canada’s refusal to hear an appeal from the farm’s owners.
According to the agency’s statement issued Thursday, it has complied with all previous court rulings and now expects the ostrich farm owners and their supporters to do the same after the Supreme Court’s decision.
Legal Background
The High Court’s choice not to hear the final appeal by the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms removes any remaining legal barriers to the CFIA’s cull order. The original directive was issued over ten months ago, after avian influenza was detected on the property. Earlier decisions by the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal had already supported the agency’s action.
Reaction from the Farm
Upon learning the high court’s decision, supporters gathered at the farm and formed a prayer circle. Co-owner Dave Bilinski addressed the group with a tone of cautious hope.
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet,” said Dave Bilinski.
Other supporters expressed anger and disappointment. One protester described the CFIA as “criminals” and announced plans to leave Canada, while another called the verdict “disgusting.” The group concluded their gathering with a prayer they called a “miracle Thursday.”
Summary
The CFIA is proceeding with the ostrich cull in Edgewood, B.C., after the Supreme Court declined to hear the farm owners’ appeal, ending a prolonged legal battle tied to an avian flu outbreak.
Author’s Summary: The Supreme Court’s rejection of the ostrich farm’s appeal clears the way for CFIA to enforce its avian flu cull order, closing a year-long legal dispute in rural British Columbia.