Gunshots were detected at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, on Thursday evening emanating from a straw bale enclosure where the farm’s flock had been confined. CBC News correspondents present at the scene reported hearing approximately five rounds of shots, each consisting of about a dozen shots, over a half-hour period starting at 6:10 p.m. PT.
This incident coincided with the Supreme Court of Canada’s refusal to entertain an appeal aimed at sparing the flock at Universal Ostrich from a cull mandated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Consequently, any legal hindrance to the elimination of the flock, estimated by the CFIA to comprise 300 to 330 birds, was removed.
The cull was ordered following the identification of avian flu at the farm in December. The shots were discharged from within a straw bale enclosure where the CFIA had earlier gathered a large number of ostriches. The CFIA later announced that trained marksmen conducted the cull under the supervision of CFIA veterinarians, in adherence to recommendations from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association.
During the operation, supporters voiced their opposition from approximately twelve parked cars along the road leading to the farm as the shots were fired. Amid the gunshots that rang out after nightfall, cries of “Stop!” and “Murderers!” echoed from the onlookers. This action ensued following a declaration from the CFIA indicating its intention to proceed with the “complete depopulation and disposal” of the ostriches.
Prior to the sound of gunfire, field lights were observed to illuminate the straw bale enclosure set up by the CFIA to confine the ostriches. Additionally, a drone was heard flying overhead during the events.