Supreme Court of Canada Rejects Appeal on Ostrich Cull Order

The Supreme Court of Canada has decided not to hear an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farms regarding a cull order issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This order mandates the culling of 400 ostriches at the farm located in Edgewood, British Columbia, following an outbreak of avian influenza detected at the facility.

The CFIA issued the cull order on December 31, 2024, citing concerns that even healthy-looking ostriches could still transmit the virus. The owners of Universal Ostrich Farms, including co-owner Karen Espersen, have been contesting this decision in court, arguing that the birds remaining on the farm show no signs of illness and should not be killed.

Despite their efforts, the Supreme Court has ruled that it will not intervene, effectively allowing the cull to proceed. The CFIA has taken custody of the ostriches, which has led to claims from the farm’s owners that the agency, alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), unlawfully removed the birds from their property.

The situation has garnered attention from animal rights advocates and community supporters, who gathered at the farm to express their opposition to the cull. The owners have emphasized that their ostriches are healthy and believe that the government’s actions are excessive and detrimental to their business.

As the cull approaches, the owners remain in a state of distress, fearing the loss of their livestock and the impact on their livelihood. The CFIA, however, maintains that the culling is necessary to protect the larger poultry population from the spread of avian flu.

This incident has raised broader questions about animal welfare and the government’s role in managing livestock health crises. The Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle over this controversial cull.

This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on November 6, 2025.