CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull in British Columbia
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will continue with the complete depopulation of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia. This decision follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear an appeal from the farm owners challenging the cull.
Legal Background and Court Decisions
The High Court's decision not to take the final appeal came more than ten months after the CFIA issued the cull order, which was prompted by an avian flu outbreak. Previous court rulings, including those by the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, had also denied the farm owners' challenges.
The agency stated it has respected all court orders and now expects the ostrich farm owners and supporters to do the same following the Supreme Court's judgment.
Reactions at the Farm
Supporters formed a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news of the Supreme Court's decision.
"Maybe a miracle will happen yet," Bilinski said.
One protester labeled the CFIA as "criminals" and expressed intentions to leave Canada, while another described the ruling as "disgusting."
Summary
The CFIA will move forward with the ostrich cull after final legal avenues were exhausted, despite the protests from farm owners and supporters.
Author's summary: The CFIA will proceed with the ostrich cull in British Columbia after the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, ending legal obstacles amid owner protests.