CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull Following Supreme Court Decision
EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will continue with the complete depopulation of hundreds of ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, B.C. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear the owners' final appeal against the cull order.
The CFIA stated on Thursday that it has complied with all court orders and expects the farm owners and their supporters to do the same now that the highest court has issued its judgment.
The Supreme Court's decision ends the legal battle that began over ten months ago when the CFIA ordered the cull after detecting an avian flu outbreak. Earlier rulings against the farm came from the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.
Reaction from Farm Supporters
At the farm, supporters gathered in a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news of the Supreme Court ruling.
“Maybe a miracle will happen yet,” Bilinski said.
One protester labeled the CFIA as “criminals” and expressed intentions to leave Canada. Another described the court’s decision as “disgusting.”
Legal Context
- The cull order was issued after an avian flu outbreak was detected at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.
- The CFIA followed court orders through multiple legal challenges.
- The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal removes all remaining legal obstacles.
Author's summary: The CFIA will carry out a mandated ostrich cull in B.C. after the Supreme Court declined to hear the owners’ appeal, ending months of legal resistance amid avian flu concerns.