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

Canadian Food Inspection Agency 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, following the Supreme Court of Canada's decision not to hear an appeal from the farm owners.

Legal Background and Court Decisions

The owners of Universal Ostrich Farms had sought to challenge the cull order issued by the CFIA after an outbreak of avian flu was detected. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case came more than ten months after the initial order and follows prior rulings against the farm in the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal.

CFIA Statement and Reactions

The CFIA emphasized that it has respected all court orders throughout the process and expects compliance from the ostrich farm owners and their supporters now that the Supreme Court has issued its judgment.

“And expects the ostrich farm owners and supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court of Canada has issued its judgment.”

Supporters’ Response at the Farm

At the farm, supporters gathered in a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news. Despite the ruling, he expressed hope:

“Maybe a miracle will happen yet.”

Among the protesters, one called the CFIA “criminals” and threatened to leave Canada, while another described the decision as “disgusting.”

Summary

Following a Supreme Court decision denying the final appeal, the CFIA will proceed with the ostrich cull ordered due to avian flu, despite opposition from the farm’s owners and supporters.

Would you like the summary sentence to be more formal or conversational?

more

northeastNOW northeastNOW — 2025-11-06

More News