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The nation’s food inspection agency stated it aims to start a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a farm after the country’s top court refused to stop the disputed cull.

Judicial Impediments Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling removed all judicial obstacle to beginning the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, amid fears of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation.

Sixty-nine ostriches have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their anger on online platforms.

The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the issue, even though many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Interest and Proposals

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in Florida.

An American wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” policy in order to contain the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies.

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

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

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

Ranch Representative Reaction

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“These are prehistoric animals that have survived eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she said.

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

Court and Agency Decisions

A federal court, however, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The agency has not said at what time it expects to start slaughtering the birds.

Culling Methods

A 2016 agency manual, acquired under public access laws, states ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks.

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Updates

As per media sources, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.