The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported the death of an ostrich from a B.C. flock that recently received a temporary halt to a cull order from the Supreme Court of Canada. The ostrich, located at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., had a pre-existing injury and condition affecting its left leg and mobility, which was being treated by the owners. The bird’s health deteriorated significantly over two days before passing away on Saturday.
In response, farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney posted a video on Facebook confirming the ostrich’s death and accused the CFIA of animal cruelty, alleging mishandling of electrolytes. The CFIA stated that they had been providing medication and electrolyte fluids as per the owners’ therapy regime but did not address the specific claims immediately.
The cull order was originally issued due to an avian flu outbreak at the farm, but the owners contested it, claiming that the surviving birds were healthy and valuable for scientific purposes. The Supreme Court of Canada granted a last-minute reprieve from the cull last month, which the CFIA will adhere to while preparing a response for the High Court. The CFIA continues to oversee the ostrich enclosure at the farm in Edgewood, a small community in southeastern B.C.
