CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull After Supreme Court Declines Appeal
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will continue with the complete depopulation of hundreds of ostriches at a British Columbia farm. This decision follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear the farm owners' final appeal.
The CFIA confirmed it has complied with all court orders and expects the farm owners and their supporters to respect the ruling as well. The cull order was issued on December 31 after an avian flu outbreak was detected at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C.
Legal Battle and Ruling
The decision by the Supreme Court removes any remaining legal obstacles to begin the culling process. The owners have argued that the surviving ostriches display no symptoms and should be spared, but the CFIA maintains that apparently healthy birds can still transmit the disease.
Farmers' Response and Support
"We hope for a miracle to save the flock," said co-owner Dave Bilinski as supporters formed a prayer circle upon hearing the ruling.
This ruling ends a nearly 10-month legal struggle against the government-mandated cull.
Summary
The CFIA's execution of the ostrich cull will proceed after the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, upholding efforts to contain the avian flu outbreak despite opposition from the farm owners.
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