🔗 Share this article Authorities Proceeds with Full Eradication Plan to Slaughter 400 Flightless Birds The nation’s food safety authority stated it plans to start a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a farm following the country’s top court declined to halt the controversial cull. Judicial Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling Thursday’s ruling eliminated any legal barrier to starting the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an spread of bird flu. Just days ago, authorities took over of the business. Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness. On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case. Governmental and Societal Responses The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms. The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere. In early October, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by journalists whether he backed protesters. The Conservative figure has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull. He told reporters the situation had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name. International Involvement and Offers A number of high-profile figures from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada. The American health chief proposed to move the birds to his property in the Sunshine State. An American billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to rescind its cull order. Health and Moral Arguments The national authorities said the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a move in line with wider guidance from international health bodies. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to perform further testing on the birds to verify they are infected. The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and reliability of testing on the ostriches. Ranch Representative Response Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the agency was “murdering” birds in good health. “They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated. A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no justice left”. Court and Agency Decisions A federal court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people. The authority has not announced when it plans to begin slaughtering the birds. Culling Procedures A 2016 agency manual, obtained under public access laws, states the birds can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires three people: one person to restrain the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection. Personnel can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks. Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on site. Recent Updates According to reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.