On Friday, June 20, the Federal Court of Appeal temporarily stopped an order to kill almost 400 ostriches living on the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C. This order was previously made by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency due to an avian flu outbreak in December 2024, as the birds were seen as a health threat to society.
According to Burnabynow, Dr. Cathy Furness, Canada’s deputy chief veterinary officer, emphasized that there is no other way to deal with the situation other than permanently removing the birds.
“There is no safe and feasible alternative to disposal of the ostriches at [Universal Ostrich Farm] that could effectively address the current risks to animal and human health posed by the outbreak.”
The execution pause will only last for one more month as the case is still under review. Katie Pasitney, daughter of one of the owners of the Universal Ostrich Farm, shared an encouraging update on the internet as they continue to work hard to save the ostriches.
“We got this. We’re going to change policy, we’re going to change laws.”
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.