Hundreds of ostriches at B.C. farm to be killed after top court dismisses appeal to stop cull

Ostrich Farm Faces Culling After Court Rejects Appeal

Tensions have eased at the Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, where hundreds of birds remain while CFIA agents pause their efforts to round them up. The corral is now enclosed by a tall barrier of straw bales, limiting visibility of the activities inside. Supporters of the farm remain nearby, though their chanting has quieted.

CFIA's Plans and Uncertainty

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed intentions to cull the ostriches due to avian flu infection, but the timing and whether any birds have been euthanized remain unknown. Coverage of the situation will continue on CBC’s British Columbia site.

Farm’s Response and Ongoing Fight

Universal Ostrich spokesperson Katie Pasitney addressed supporters, affirming the farm's commitment to challenge the CFIA's "stamping-out" policy, which mandates killing every bird in an infected flock.

"Even if a cull of their birds goes ahead, they will continue to fight to change the CFIA's 'stamping-out' policy," Pasitney said.

Following limited legal options after the court decision, Pasitney declared that pushing for CFIA policy reform has become the farm’s “life’s mission.”

"They will pay for everything they’ve done here. We will hold you accountable," she told supporters regarding the inspection agency.

Supporters’ Presence

Supporters remain present on nearby roads.
Chanting has subsided compared to earlier.
Visibility inside the farm is restricted by straw bale walls around the corral.

Author’s summary: The Universal Ostrich farm in B.C. faces a government-ordered cull after court rejection, with farm staff committed to fighting CFIA’s policy despite legal setbacks.

CBC — 2025-11-06

Ostrich Farm Faces Culling After Court Rejects Appeal

CFIA's Plans and Uncertainty

Farm’s Response and Ongoing Fight

Supporters’ Presence

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