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Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm after the country’s top court declined to halt the disputed slaughter.

Judicial Impediments Removed by Court Ruling

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

The ostrich farm, situated close to the town of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to cull nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an spread of avian influenza.

Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business.

Sixty-nine ostriches have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case.

Governmental and Public Responses

The increasing controversy over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their anger on online platforms.

The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by reporters whether he backed protesters.

The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the cull.

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

International Interest and Offers

Several high-profile figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida.

An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to rescind its cull order.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

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

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to conduct further testing on the animals to verify they are infected.

The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and reliability of the tests on the ostriches.

Farm Spokesperson Response

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the media that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

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

Judicial and Authority Findings

A federal court, however, determined that permitting the birds to stay alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it plans to begin culling the ostriches.

Culling Procedures

A 2016 guideline document, acquired under public access laws, states ostriches can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the bird by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Updates

As per reports, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the ostrich pen.