Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, faces the imminent culling of its ostrich flock following a Supreme Court of Canada ruling. The court’s decision has led to protests nationwide. It has garnered the attention of influential supporters, including the likes of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is publicly in their corner. In response to these efforts, the CFIA—without public consultation—has moved ahead with plans to euthanize up to 330 ostriches. This action directly undermines their “stamping out” policy.
Katie Pasitney, an attorney for Universal Ostrich Farms, expressed her grave disappointment at the ruling. She happens to be the daughter of one of the farm’s co-owners. She told CNN that around 100 supporters came to the farm as a show of solidarity to oppose the decision to cull. Pasitney underscored the deep emotional ties that Americans feel toward these iconic beasts. She resolutely exclaimed, “These animals should not have to die. They are members of our families.”
In September, the Canadian federal government intervened, taking control of the ostrich farm and its animals. The administration’s culling decision was a reactionary one based primarily on fears of avian influenza. Since June, bird flu has created huge challenges to provincial Canada’s agribusiness juggernaut in British Columbia. By the end of October, more than 11 million birds had been affected. The CFIA has found the farm’s assertions about its research capabilities to be “unsubstantiated.” First, they claim that no sound scientific evidence has emerged to justify continuing these expensive research activities.
Kennedy, who worked in the Trump administration, got personally involved in pushing to free the ostriches. He wrote a letter to CFIA officials asking them to stop the practice of culling the entire flock. Kennedy stated that ostriches would help “do the important research to learn more about antibody levels and cellular immunity.” This type of research is absolutely central to finding cures for our most vexing diseases.
Pasitney participated in a circle prayer following the court’s decision. She said it was “the saddest day in Canadian history.” Her sentiments echo those of hundreds of supporters who came out to express their opposition to the CFIA’s decision.
Faced with this massive public uproar and two federal court challenges, the CFIA doubled-down. “The CFIA has respected all orders and decisions of the courts throughout the legal process, and expects the ostrich farm owners and supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court of Canada has issued its judgment,” a spokesperson said.
With emotions flaring over this hot-button issue, Universal Ostrich Farms still finds itself in a precarious place. The plight of these animals raises broader questions about wildlife management and animal rights amid an ongoing public health crisis.
