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Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it intends to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the highest judicial body refused to halt the controversial slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all judicial obstacle to starting the culling.

The ostrich farm, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Recently, authorities took over of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Reactions

The increasing controversy over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The situation has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He told reporters the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent individuals from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to move the birds to his property in Florida.

An US billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Arguments

The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a move in line with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the agency to conduct additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or recovered, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A partner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Judicial and Agency Findings

A national court, however, determined that allowing the birds to remain alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The authority has not announced when it expects to begin culling the ostriches.

Eradication Methods

A 2016 agency manual, acquired under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Recent Developments

As per media sources, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.