Animal Justice Calls on CFIA to Re-Test, Halt Planned Ostrich Cull in Wake of Supreme Court Decision

Animal Justice Urges CFIA to Re-Test and Halt Ostrich Cull

Animal Justice has called on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to conduct new testing for avian influenza and stop the planned culling of about 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada's decision to decline hearing the company's appeal.

Request for Independent Testing

Before the Court's decision, Animal Justice sent a formal letter to CFIA urging the agency to avoid the irreversible step of killing the birds. Instead, they requested renewed, independent tests for avian influenza to reassess the current risk.

Questioning the Necessity of the Cull

Experts in infectious diseases have expressed doubts about the need for culling and suggested that updated testing might show the ostriches are no longer a threat. According to Animal Justice, no tests have been conducted since December 2024, when the outbreak was first announced.

Concerns About Public Trust

Animal Justice warned CFIA that killing hundreds of apparently healthy ostriches without recent evidence could undermine public confidence in the agency. Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice, stated:

“More than 10 months after an avian influenza outbreak was declared, it would be remarkably cruel to kill hundreds of apparently healthy birds just to prove a point.”

The organization emphasizes the importance of updated evidence before proceeding with such drastic measures.

Summary: Animal Justice demands CFIA to halt the ostrich cull and conduct fresh testing, highlighting ethical concerns and calling for science-based decision-making to maintain public trust.

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Animal Justice Animal Justice — 2025-11-06

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