A Call to Action for Ostrich Lovers

In a dramatic standoff unfolding in British Columbia, about 40 passionate supporters have gathered at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, where federal authorities have ordered the culling of approximately 400 ostriches due to an avian flu outbreak.

Legal Battle and Community Support

The family behind the farm is mobilizing a fight for their feathered friends through legal channels. Katie Pasitney, whose parents operate the farm, has revealed an outpouring of support, with individuals from both Canada and the United States rallying behind their cause.

In an emotionally charged video shared on Facebook, her mother Karen Pasitney passionately invited supporters to "surround the farm" to protect the birds from what she calls a tragic fate.

Court Ruling and the Fight for Survival

In a setback for the family, a Federal Court judge has denied their request for a judicial review of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) culling mandate. However, the family asserts that surviving ostriches have recovered well and developed what Pasitney describes as 'herd immunity' to the virus, making them valuable for research.

The Low Risk Factor

"We are located 135 kilometers from the nearest major city, Vernon, and are far removed from commercial poultry operations," explains Pasitney. "Killing these ostriches won't prevent future outbreaks; instead, they could provide significant insights into avian health and immunity."

Local Government Steps In

Meanwhile, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has secured a landfill operational certificate from the provincial Environment Ministry to safely manage any avian flu-infected waste, although there's no confirmed date for the culling to take place.

Premier's Frustration and Call for Compensation

B.C. Premier David Eby expressed his exasperation over the CFIA's handling of the situation and urged for appropriate compensation for the family, although he acknowledged that no amount can truly make up for their losses. The courts have set the maximum compensation at $3,000 per bird.

A Call for Reevaluation

Animal Justice, a prominent animal law organization, has joined the conversation, urging a complete reevaluation of the culling order after the time elapsed since its issuance. Director Kaitlyn Mitchell argued, "Avian flu is a serious threat, but the ostriches shouldn’t bear the brunt of systemic failures in disease prevention mechanisms. It’s time to rethink our approaches that often put individual animals at risk for the sake of convenience."

The Fight Continues

As tensions rise and supporters gather, the battle for the 400 ostriches continues. With community backing and legal avenues for recourse, the future remains uncertain but hopeful for the dedicated family and their spirited defenders.