Federal Court Denies Stay, B.C. Ostrich Cull of 400 Moves Forward

BREAKING: The Federal Court of Appeal has just denied an application for a stay order that would have delayed the culling of approximately 400 ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. This urgent ruling marks a significant setback for Universal Ostrich Farms, which has fought to protect its birds amid an ongoing avian influenza outbreak.

The court’s decision, announced on October 7, 2023, comes just days after an interim stay was briefly granted, allowing the ostriches to be spared from destruction. Last Saturday, the court ruled to keep the stay in place until a complete review of the case could occur, but that reprieve has now been revoked, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ordered the cull following the outbreak of avian flu that began in December 2024, which resulted in the death of 69 ostriches due to the virus. Universal Ostrich Farms contends that the remaining birds are currently healthy and do not pose a threat to public health or biosecurity. The farm argues that the ostriches hold scientific value, adding an emotional layer to this contentious issue.

As of now, it remains unclear when the cull will take place, heightening anxiety among animal rights advocates and the local community. The situation has drawn significant media attention, as many are calling for a reevaluation of the culling approach amid claims that the birds could be rehabilitated.

Authorities are expected to provide more information in the coming days, and the public is urged to stay tuned for updates on this developing story. The implications of this ruling could reverberate beyond this farm, affecting how similar cases are handled in the future.

Stay connected for the latest updates as this story unfolds.