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The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the highest judicial body refused to stop the controversial cull.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed any legal impediment to starting the killings.

The ostrich farm, located near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Societal Reactions

The growing row over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

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

In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

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

He told reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

International Interest and Proposals

Several high-profile figures from the United States have petitioned authorities in Canada.

The American health chief offered to relocate the birds to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to reverse its cull order.

Health and Ethical Debates

The national authorities stated the relevant agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to perform further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death happened on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and reliability of testing on the ostriches.

Ranch Spokesperson Reaction

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A partner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A federal court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to remain alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to different species, the livestock sector – or to humans.

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

Eradication Procedures

A 2016 guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by various methods, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one person to restrain the bird by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Developments

As per reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.