Hundreds of ostriches were killed—shot one by one—at a peaceful farm in British Columbia. And no one was able to stop it.

For nearly a year, Universal Ostrich Farms fought to save their flock after some birds were exposed to avian flu.

The farm’s owners pleaded with the Canadian government for more testing, alternatives to killing, or even permission to export the birds to safety.

Experts—including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz—offered solutions. But no one in power listened.

Instead, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered a mass cull.

On a cold November night, marksmen arrived and executed every remaining bird—some of which had lived for decades and were part of vital antibody research. The farm’s co-owner described the raid as a “war on a peaceful, loving farm.”

This wasn’t just tragic—it was preventable. While culling can be used to control disease outbreaks, the way it was done here raises serious ethical concerns. Instead of gas euthanasia (the typical method for poultry), officials shot the ostriches behind hay bales. This approach was not only traumatizing but raises major questions about how CFIA makes decisions in disease response cases involving large, sentient animals.

The public deserves answers. And the animals—and the people who cared for them—deserve justice.

We call on the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the CFIA Director, and Members of Parliament to:

• Launch an independent investigation into the decision-making and methods used in this cull.
• Immediately review and update humane treatment protocols for managing avian flu in non-poultry species.
• Ensure that in future cases, farms have access to transparent appeals, humane alternatives, and scientific consultation.
  
  These ostriches can’t be brought back. But their deaths must not be in vain.

Add your name to demand compassion, accountability, and reform in Canada’s animal disease response policies.

Photo: Aaron Hemens/The Canadian Press/AP/File