CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull in British Columbia
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will continue with the "complete depopulation" of hundreds of ostriches at a farm in British Columbia. This comes after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal from the farm owners.
Legal Context and Court Decisions
The Supreme Court's decision, made on Thursday, ended the final legal challenge by the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C. This marks more than 10 months since the CFIA's initial cull order triggered by an avian flu outbreak. Earlier rulings by the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal had already gone against the farm owners.
The CFIA stated it has complied with all court orders and expects the farm owners and their supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court has issued its judgment.
Reaction from Farm Owners and Supporters
Supporters at the farm gathered in a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news of the high court’s ruling.
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet,” Bilinski said.
Some protestors expressed strong emotions, calling the CFIA "criminals," vowing to leave Canada, or describing the decision as "disgusting." The group prayed for a “miracle Thursday.”
Summary
The CFIA will move forward with the ostrich cull after all legal avenues were exhausted, despite protests and hope for a different outcome by farm supporters.
From the CFIA: “The agency has respected all court orders and expects the ostrich farm owners and supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court of Canada has issued its judgment.”
Author’s summary: After the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, the CFIA will proceed with the ostrich cull in B.C., ending lengthy legal battles despite hopes for a reprieve.