CFIA says B.C. ostrich cull will proceed after high court decides not to hear appeal

CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull in British Columbia

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will proceed with the complete depopulation of hundreds of ostriches at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada's decision not to hear an appeal from the farm's owners concerning the cull order.

Legal Background and Court Decisions

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the final appeal comes over 10 months after the CFIA issued the culling order due to an avian flu outbreak detected at Universal Ostrich Farms in the southern Interior community of Edgewood, B.C. The decision removes the last legal obstacle, following earlier rulings against the farm by the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.

CFIA Statement and Expectations

In a statement on Thursday, the CFIA said it has complied with all court orders and expects the ostrich farm owners and their supporters to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Response from Farm Supporters

Supporters at the farm gathered in a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared news of the court ruling. He expressed hope, saying:

“Maybe a miracle will happen yet.”

Among the crowd, one protester called the CFIA “criminals” and said she planned to leave Canada, while another described the decision as “disgusting.” The group then held a prayer asking for a “miracle Thursday.”

Author's summary: The CFIA will proceed with culling ostriches in B.C. after the Supreme Court declined the owners' appeal, despite emotional protests and prayers from the farm's supporters.

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northeastNOW northeastNOW — 2025-11-06

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