CFIA Announces Proceeding with Ostrich Cull in B.C. After Supreme Court Decision
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will continue the "complete depopulation" of hundreds of ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, following the rejection of the owners' bid to have their case heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Legal Developments and Court Decisions
The CFIA stated on Thursday that it has respected all court orders and expects the farm owners and supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court has issued its judgment.
"The High Court's decision not to hear a final appeal by the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., comes more than 10 months after the CFIA issued the cull order following detection of an avian flu outbreak."
Previous rulings against the farm were made in Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.
Community Reactions and Supporters
Supporters gathered at the farm as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the court's decision. During the event, one protester called the CFIA "criminals" and expressed her intention to leave Canada, while another described the ruling as "disgusting."
Summary
The CFIA is moving forward with ostrich culling after the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal, following legal setbacks and public protests at the farm.
Author's note: The case illustrates conflicts between regulatory authority and farm owners amid ongoing concerns about avian flu and animal welfare.