Animal Justice Urges CFIA to Re-Test and Halt Ostrich Cull
Animal Justice has called on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to perform new testing for avian influenza and to stop the planned cull of about 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms. This follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear the company’s appeal.
Before the Court's decision, Animal Justice sent a formal letter urging the CFIA to avoid the irreversible act of killing the birds. Instead, the organization advocates for independent, updated testing to verify if the ostriches still pose a health risk.
Experts in infectious diseases have questioned the necessity of the cull, suggesting that new tests might demonstrate the birds no longer carry the virus. According to Animal Justice, no testing has been conducted since the initial outbreak was declared in December 2024.
“More than 10 months after an avian influenza outbreak was declared, it would be remarkably cruel to kill hundreds of apparently healthy birds just to prove a point,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice.
Animal Justice warns the CFIA that proceeding with killing seemingly healthy ostriches without current and clear evidence of disease may damage public trust in the agency.
Key Points
- CFIA urged to conduct new avian influenza tests.
- Planned cull of about 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms halted.
- No testing done since December 2024 outbreak declaration.
- Experts question necessity of culling after such a long period.
- Animal Justice emphasizes avoiding unnecessary cruelty and protecting public trust.
Summary
Animal Justice demands fresh testing and stopping the ostrich cull, stressing that killing healthy birds without recent evidence threatens public confidence and is unjustifiably cruel.