I am devastated to witness the government’s decision to execute hundreds of healthy ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. These innocent animals are victims of an indefensible plan under the guise of controlling avian influenza by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the ministries of Agriculture and Health. Instead of exploring humane and scientifically sound alternatives like immunity testing, research programmes, or other protective measures, they have opted for a mass culling.

These ostriches have demonstrated incredible resilience, having survived a recent avian influenza outbreak. Rather than celebrate their survival and adaptability, the authorities are ignoring their chance for a future, opting for the easiest solution rather than the most compassionate one.

Ostriches are intelligent and social creatures deserving of respect and mercy. This mass killing is not about science, compassion, or public safety. It’s a bureaucratic decision that disregards the life and dignity of these animals. The implications go beyond the farm; they reflect how we value life and the measures we employ in crisis management.

There are available alternatives: conducting immunity testing, utilizing these animals in infectious disease research, or devising humane protection strategies. We must compel our leaders to reconsider their actions, re-evaluate the policies driving these inhumane practices, and ensure that every alternative is explored before resorting to such drastic measures.

Please join me in standing up for these ostriches and demanding a reevaluation of this unjust policy. We need to act now to prevent this needless loss of life and advocate for more compassionate scientific practice. Sign this petition to urge the CFIA, and the ministries of Agriculture and Health, to call off the mass culling and find better paths forward for all involved.