Gunshots ring out at B.C. ostrich farm as cull moves ahead

At Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, gunshots rang out as the CFIA initiated the culling of hundreds of ostriches amid an avian flu outbreak. The operation occurred inside a hay bale enclosure where the agency had confined the birds, sparking protests from farm supporters who shouted “Stop! ” and “Murderers! ” The Supreme Court of Canada recently declined to hear a final appeal against the cull, which removed any legal barriers to the CFIA's actions. The agency aims to completely depopulate a flock estimated at 300 to 330 birds, a response that follows more than 10 months of deliberation since the initial destruction order.

The avian flu outbreak has raised concerns about the health of local poultry populations and the economic impact on the ostrich farming industry. Supporters argue that the cull is unnecessary and cruel, while officials stress the importance of controlling the outbreak. The CFIA's decision reflects ongoing tensions between agricultural practices and animal welfare considerations. This event underscores the broader implications of animal health regulations in agriculture.