On the evening of Thursday in Edgewood, B.C., gunshots were reported at Universal Ostrich Farms, originating from a straw bale enclosure where the farm’s flock had been gathered. CBC News journalists present at the scene heard approximately five rounds of gunfire, each consisting of about a dozen shots, over a half-hour period starting at 6:10 p.m. PT.
This incident coincided with the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to entertain an appeal aimed at preventing the culling of the ostrich flock at Universal Ostrich, as mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The legal barrier to the cull was thus removed, allowing for the elimination of the 300 to 330 birds in the flock as stated by the CFIA.
The culling was initiated following the detection of avian flu at the farm in December. The shots were fired from within the straw bale enclosure where the CFIA had earlier corralled a significant number of ostriches. The CFIA, under veterinary supervision, employed trained marksmen to carry out the cull, a method in line with recommendations from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
During the operation, supporters in about a dozen vehicles parked near the farm shouted protests such as “Stop!” and “Murderers!” as darkness descended and the shots rang out. The CFIA had declared its intention to proceed with the complete depopulation and disposal of the ostriches prior to the cull.
Before the gunfire, field lights were observed illuminating the straw bale enclosure set up by the CFIA to confine the ostriches, with a drone also spotted flying above the area.
For further details on the unfolding events at Universal Ostrich Farms post the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal, readers can access CBC News’ live coverage. Additional background information on the case is available discussing the attention garnered by the ostrich herd at the B.C. farm, including interest from the Trump administration.