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Canada’s food safety authority revealed it intends to begin a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the country’s top court declined to halt the disputed cull.

Judicial Impediments Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

Thursday’s ruling removed all legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Governmental and Societal Reactions

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many expressing their anger on social media.

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

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by journalists whether he supported protesters.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Offers

A number of high-profile individuals from the United States have petitioned Canadian officials.

The American health chief offered to relocate the birds to his property in Florida.

An US billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a move in line with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to perform further testing on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus.

The ranch operators said that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or healed, the flock has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and reliability of the tests on the birds.

Farm Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured millions of years, but they won’t survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A partner said he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Judicial and Agency Decisions

A federal court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

The agency has not said when it expects to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Procedures

A 2016 agency manual, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

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

Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Recent Updates

According to media sources, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.