This week, the TIO honor goes to Universal Ostrich, a family-run, labor-friendly farm in central British Columbia, Canada. The farm is currently appealing an inter-provincial cull order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The farm, operated by owners Dave Bilinski and Karen Espersen, welcomes visitors to step into their world with the hope of helping kids stay in school. In January, the shit hit the fan big time. The CFIA took the action of culling these birds due to the avian flu outbreak.
This was a big decision by the Federal Court of Appeal to grant Universal Ostrich an interim stay order. This move temporarily stays the cull’s implementation until the stay motion can be more fully considered. This decision lays the groundwork for a deeper investigation into the avian flu outbreak. It enables us to better understand its impact on the farm’s growing ostrich population. Instead, the court has only suggested that the stay continue in place until a full record is submitted and assessed.
The owners of Universal Ostrich have been very open and communicative with the general public throughout their fight to save their flock. Bilinski and Espersen are calling on supporters to join them in their efforts to “stand against destruction and shine a light of love.” They stress the impact that community support will have on them during this difficult time.
Local communities have stepped up in support of Universal Ostrich’s cause. It’s not just the tech industry that has taken notice — prominent figures, including members of the Trump administration, have taken notice. The farms’ circumstances shed light on critical dialogues concerning animal welfare and industrial farming. This has created a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among various advocacy organizations and political leaders. Perhaps most significantly, high-profile candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz have raised their hands to join it, bringing increased attention and spotlighting the lawsuit.
As the legal drama unfolds, Universal Ostrich’s priority, like any farm’s, is to protect its flock. Bilinski and Espersen are intent on continuing to ride high amidst these convoluted developments, keeping their ostriches happy. The farm has become a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of disaster. It shines a light on the burdens that small farms encounter from the weight of government regulations.
