Culling of Ostriches at Edgewood Farm
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted a mass culling of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, on Thursday night. This operation involved at least two shooters who worked for the CFIA’s Enforcement Investigations and Services Division, using rifles from evening until the early hours of the next day, firing numerous bullets into the birds.
Witnesses noted that police were not equipped with protective gear and were seen handling the bloodied remains of ostriches suspected to be infected. For those who raised these birds, they were more than just livestock; they had unique personalities. One bird, named Spike, was known for being tough and protective, while Anna was described as full of energy and attitude. Another, the Kikkaroo, earned its name from its excited kicking.
Outcry from Supporters
Over 120 supporters gathered in the rain to protest this culling. Farm spokeswoman Katie Pasitney was among them, crouching in front of the iron fence that separated her from the ostriches since the CFIA and RCMP had taken over the property. In tears, she pleaded with the shooters to stop.
Many ostriches appeared to suffer injuries rather than a swift death, with some lingering for hours in pain. Reports from the morning indicated that several birds who endured the night were still fighting for their lives, with CFIA personnel taking further, grisly actions against them.
Supporters shared their heart-wrenching experiences on social media. One person described feeling overwhelmed after watching hours of live coverage filled with the sounds of gunfire and the anguished cries of the birds. They expressed a deep sense of anger, vowing that those responsible would face consequences.
Safety Concerns Raised
It was also noted that the shooters wore no protective equipment, aside from balaclavas, despite CFIA’s assertion that the ostriches posed a health risk. As the culling progressed, CFIA began the grim task of removing the deceased birds from the farm.
Officers worked alongside the RCMP to gather carcasses from designated areas. The bodies were collected and placed into containers, ready for transport, though the final disposal site has yet to be revealed. Some speculate that the remains may end up at a port near Surrey, British Columbia, for disposal at sea.
Testing Refusal
The CFIA has refused to conduct tests on both alive and deceased ostriches for avian influenza. Over the past 300 days, the farm has maintained that its birds are healthy and have developed immunity, suggesting that these insights could be beneficial in managing H5N1 infections naturally.
In a recent statement, the CFIA claimed to be progressing in its disease response concerning the farm, insisting that they were adhering to regulations regarding culling under the Animal Health Act.
However, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farm, which sought to prevent the culling of their birds. This was in relation to a suspected H5N1 outbreak recorded in December 2024.
A Call for Action
Pasitney voiced her frustrations, stating that their emotions were shattered. She emphasized the need for proper treatment of all animals, irrespective of species or age. While the CFIA defended the culling process as humane, their own guidelines suggest that shooting should be a last resort.
Pasitney expressed determination to advocate against such policies, as they seem inconsistent with international health guidelines. After enduring extensive legal battles and media coverage, she articulated a strong resolve for change, urging her community to take a stand.
