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Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it plans to initiate a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a ranch after the supreme court refused to halt the controversial cull.

Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling eliminated all legal barrier to commencing the killings.

The ostrich farm, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to descend on the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media.

The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Offers

A number of high-profile figures from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada.

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

An American billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Ethical Debates

The national authorities stated the food inspection agency was following a eradication policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with wider guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have called on the agency to conduct additional tests on the birds to confirm they are infected.

The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the group has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the ostriches.

Farm Representative Reaction

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”.

Judicial and Authority Findings

A national court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to people.

The authority has not announced when it expects to start culling the ostriches.

Culling Methods

A 2016 guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the agency can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Latest Developments

As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.