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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it intends to initiate a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the highest judicial body refused to block the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision

The recent judicial decision removed all legal impediment to commencing the culling.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an spread of bird flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his political group protesting against the slaughter.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Offers

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the authorities to rescind its cull order.

Health and Moral Debates

The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the transmission of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus.

The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or healed, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the birds.

Farm Representative Reaction

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she said.

A co-owner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A federal court, on the other hand, found that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it expects to begin culling the ostriches.

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation.

Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Recent Developments

As per media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.