Canadian Ostrich Farm's Legal Battle Ends in Tragedy Despite RFK Jr.'s Support

The Canadian Supreme Court has unanimously rejected the final appeal from a British Columbia ostrich farm striving to save hundreds of its birds. A cull order had been placed by the authorities last year, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ready to execute the plan to avert an outbreak.

According to a statement from CFIA, the task at hand will involve the depopulation and appropriate disposal as per guidelines approved by the Health of Animals Act, following procedures set for controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The method of culling the ostriches hasn't been specified by the CFIA, though there were reports of gunshots heard at the Universal Ostrich Farm, broadcasted via a live stream on farm representative Katie Pasitney's Facebook page.

In a heartfelt attempt to halt the culling, Pasitney appealed to the Supreme Court right before their session, asserting that the birds were in good health and posed no risks.

"They are healthy and have been our life for three and a half decades," she implored in a social media video, urging Canada’s highest court to reconsider.

Since the outbreak detected in early December 2024, over 300 ostriches from the farm have been caught in a legal predicament between their Edgewood-based owners and the CFIA.

The virus caused the death of nearly 70 birds within weeks, prompting CFIA to declare the outbreak extraordinary and threatening to Canada's poultry market, hence the decision for a bird cull.

Pasitney shared a poignant post-court decision video showing the farm's owner—a personal and business tragedy—forcing them to part with everything loved over 35 years.

The CFIA, emphasizing its duty to shield animal and human health, affirmed its commitment to containment measures, necessitated by confirmed H5N1 cases and to uphold health and trading integrity.

This case also garnered attention from U.S. officials, who reached out to CFIA in May urging reconsideration of the culling decision on grounds of scientific study opportunities.

Kennedy's letter highlighted the scientific value of studying these ostriches that had a previous influenza infection, requesting not to eradicate all birds.

Subsequent correspondence in July called for collaboration between Canadian and American health institutions to possibly defer the culling.

Dr. Mehmet Oz suggested moving the flock to his Florida property offered by authority from U.S. Health Services, but this proposal was declined, per CBC national reportage.

CFIA assured compensation for the bird's market value, promising up to $2,200 per bird, contingent upon proper documentation.