Supreme Court of Canada Allows Ostrich Cull at Edgewood Farm
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the last appeal against the order to cull a flock of ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. This ruling removes any legal barriers, allowing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to move forward with the complete depopulation of the birds.
CFIA's Plan for Depopulation
The CFIA confirmed its intention to proceed with the full removal of the ostrich flock. While the exact method of killing the birds has not been publicly disclosed, a CFIA manual outlines possible techniques including breaking their necks, lethal injection, gassing, or shooting.
Response from Supporters and Farm Owners
Supporters of the farm gathered on-site, forming a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the court’s decision.
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet,” Bilinski said.
One protester labeled the CFIA as “criminals” and expressed intentions to leave Canada, while another described the decision as “disgusting.” The group held a prayer seeking a “miracle Thursday.”
Prolonged Vigil Ahead of Ruling
Supporters had been arriving since early morning, even as rain poured, to show their support before the verdict was announced.
Activist's Condemnation of CFIA Actions
Pasitney, a vocal opponent of CFIA policies, declared she would dedicate her efforts to stopping the agency’s current practices. After the decision, she told the media:
“It’s murdering, murdering healthy animals that have been 35 years on this planet.”
She expressed concern that the next phase would be traumatic for the ostriches.
Author's summary: The Supreme Court decision enables CFIA to cull a longtime ostrich flock, sparking emotional reactions from supporters who continue to hope for a last-minute reprieve.