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Canada’s food safety authority stated it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a ranch after the supreme court refused to stop the disputed slaughter.

Legal Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed all legal impediment to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the community of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to cull almost four hundred birds, due to fears of an spread of avian influenza.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Political and Public Reactions

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

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

Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his political group protesting against the slaughter.

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

International Interest and Offers

A number of prominent individuals from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to move the birds to his property in Florida.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a move in line with broader advice from international health bodies.

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

The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death happened on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches.

Ranch Representative Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she stated.

A co-owner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A federal court, however, found that allowing the birds to stay alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not announced when it plans to begin slaughtering the ostriches.

Eradication Methods

A 2016 guideline document, obtained under public access laws, states the birds can be killed by different means, the recommended being injection, which requires multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

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

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Recent Developments

As per media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.