In a gripping situation in the Kootenays, a flock of ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm is nearing a controversial cull that has caught international attention.

On Tuesday afternoon, BC RCMP confirmed the arrest of two individuals connected to the farm, sparking outrage among supporters. Though the names of those arrested were not disclosed, the police reported that they entered the ostrich enclosure where Katie Pasitney and her mother, Karen Esperson, had been camping out.

Interestingly, prior to the arrests, a third individual, Dave Bilinski (Esperson's partner), opted to leave the enclosure voluntarily, stating, "I needed to ensure our stuff was safe, so I came out peacefully to retrieve our trailer and other belongings." His exit was strategically timed before police actions escalated.

The tension escalated on Monday when officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) descended upon the farm, greeted by dozens of vocal protesters rallying behind the ostriches and the farm's owner. Following a search warrant, RCMP secured the area, creating a perimeter around the property.

Bilinski, still hopeful, argued that the ostriches possess one of the strongest immune systems in the animal kingdom and expressed confidence that the birds were healthy. "They know there’s no virus in these birds now—it’s all about what nature gives us," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Pasitney shared a tense video on Facebook featuring a CFIA official claiming control of the property and warning of potential consequences if the farmers did not vacate the premises.

In a desperate legal battle, the farmers have persistently called for thorough testing of the birds' health status. Pasitney revealed that their legal team is preparing to escalate the case to the Supreme Court of Canada after facing setbacks in both Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.

The stakes couldn't be higher as they work against the clock to file their application by October 3rd, aiming to halt the impending cull that looms over this unique community.