Universal Ostrich Farms, operated by owners and operators Dave Bilinski & Karen Espersen in beautiful British Columbia. Indigenous farm is at the center of controversy as creditors circle over unpaid debts that amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, the company is in dire financial straits. The upcoming destruction of its ostriches has attracted the ire of the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This predicament raises critical questions regarding the fate of the farm’s assets, most notably, its avian inhabitants. It has important implications for the whole ostrich farming industry.
The chaos started when Universal Ostrich Farms took on debt of $45,000 to Ariton Talica for six ostriches. Issues housing these animals led the company to a consignment deal with Talica. The farm has lost money the past few years. In the last two years it has been threatened by more than a dozen lawsuits from seven different creditors. David Goranson won a judgement over $80,000 for his May 2024 judgement. On top of that, two other businessmen from Fort St. John won a $140,000 judgement last May.
Universal Ostrich Farms has faced mounting challenges since March 2020 when its diverse operations—including breeding, meat processing, skin care products, and agritourism—were drastically altered. By the end of 2020, the company had fully pivoted. It started developing partnerships with Dr. Michiya Shiraishi, a world-famous Japanese scientist, to lead its scientific research efforts. In spite of all these changes, the company reports having only booked $5,000 in business from their operational shift during this time.
Financial Troubles Mount
Now, Universal Ostrich Farms is getting eaten alive by its debts. As a consequence, three creditors have gotten court orders from the B.C. Supreme Court for more than $250,000. The creditors are currently seeking to recoup their investments from the CFIA in the event that a cull of the ostriches takes place.
A pressing question remains: why has Universal Ostrich Farms failed to meet its obligations? Goranson’s lawyer expressed confusion over the company’s lack of response to its financial duties.
“It is unclear to Mr. Goranson why this obligation has not been met.” – Goranson’s lawyer
This uncertainty further compounds the crisis for Bilinski and Espersen as they fight on both legal and operational fronts. Their attempts to provide transparency during all of this have not gone unnoticed.
“We can assure supporters and the public that all funds raised are directed transparently toward legal costs and the ongoing care of the ostriches during this prolonged quarantine,” – Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski
The CFIA’s Role in the Crisis
This development brings an even juicier wrinkle to the drama playing out at Universal Ostrich Farms. As conversations around a potential cull progress, stakeholders are understandably intent on ensuring that whatever happens recognizes the unprecedented nature of this situation. Steven Cope, an attorney for one of the creditors in RVK, described his client’s situation as unprecedented.
“The only asset that can be levied or taxed that they have are two-legged animals that are under quarantine facing a death penalty. It’s a very rare situation.” – Steven Cope
Cope stressed that the current civil issues are not connected to CFIA’s conduct. Instead, they work to protect the best ostriches for the future—scientific and humanitarian—benefit. The future of these amazing birds now rests in the hands of both the CFIA and the courts.
“[The civil matters] are unrelated to the CFIA’s actions or to the core issue at hand — the preservation of these healthy ostriches and their importance to science, food security, and humanity,” – Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski
Creditors, too, have a close eye on the situation as things continue to develop. They still cling to hope of being able to get back their debts through receipt of compensation if a cull does happen.
Future Prospects for Universal Ostrich Farms
Even with big hurdles ahead, Bilinski and Espersen are optimistic about their future in ostrich farming. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations is impossible to ignore. They’re positive and hopeful, thinking the industry’s best days are still ahead.
“As you know Covid-19 hit us very hard but we have survived and the future looks very bright for the ostrich industry,” – Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski
Their jubilation is muted by continue legal battles and operational unknowns. As Cope once told us, the road ahead is not an easy one.
“Really, the only thing we could do is get a writ of seizure and sale on the ostriches, but they’re under quarantine, so that’s a very bad path.” – Steven Cope
The uncertain fate of Universal Ostrich Farms raises a host of questions. Stakeholders, from creditors to animal welfare advocates, are watching this case closely. They too are anxiously expecting rulings that will affect the amount of monetary relief and the future of the farm’s ostriches.
