The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reported that an ostrich from a British Columbia flock, which had recently been granted a reprieve from a cull order by the Supreme Court of Canada, has passed away. The ostrich, located at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., had a pre-existing injury affecting its left leg and mobility, and despite ongoing treatment by the owners, its health deteriorated rapidly over a two-day period leading to its death on Saturday.
In response to the ostrich’s death, farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney took to Facebook to confirm the news and criticized the CFIA for alleged animal cruelty, claiming that electrolytes were being removed. The CFIA, however, stated that they had been following the treatment regimen provided by the owners, including administering medication and electrolyte fluids, and did not immediately address the accusations made by the farm.
The cull order had been initiated due to an avian flu outbreak at the farm, but the owners contested the decision, asserting that the surviving birds were healthy and held scientific significance. Following a last-minute intervention by the Supreme Court of Canada last month, the cull was temporarily halted. The CFIA has pledged to comply with the court’s decision and will file a response with the High Court while maintaining control over the ostrich enclosure at the farm in Edgewood, B.C.
