BC Ostrich Farm's Final Stand
Universal Ostrich Farm faces government-ordered cull of 400 birds after exhausting legal appeals. American allies propose cross-border rescue.
By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | September 22, 2025
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Eight-Month Legal Battle Reaches Final Stage
Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia faces imminent enforcement action after exhausting nearly all legal remedies to prevent the government-ordered destruction of 400 ostriches. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the cull order on December 31, 2024, following an H5N1 avian flu outbreak that killed 69 birds at the three-decade-old operation.
The farm's protracted legal campaign suffered a decisive blow on September 12 when Federal Court of Appeal Judge Gerald Heckman denied a stay request, ruling the farm failed to establish that its Supreme Court application "raises a serious or arguable issue." The August 21 Federal Court of Appeal ruling unanimously upheld lower court decisions, stating the law "inevitably leads to the conclusion that this appeal must be dismissed."
Business Explores Unconventional Solutions
Farm spokeswoman Katie Pasitney revealed the operation received an extraordinary offer from television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, who proposed relocating the birds to his Florida ranch. The farm declined the May 27 proposal, citing regulatory complications. The business also attracted support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who wrote to Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald on July 15, requesting research delays for the ostriches.
Property Becomes Enforcement Flashpoint
The regulatory standoff has transformed the rural property into a focal point for protesters, with more than 200 supporters gathering Saturday to oppose the cull. RCMP liaison officers have conducted site visits to prepare for potential arrests as enforcement agencies coordinate compliance procedures.
The business disruption extends beyond the immediate operation, which states the loss would end its three-decade run. The crisis reflects broader industry challenges as British Columbia has culled over 8.7 million birds since highly infectious avian flu emerged on provincial farms in spring 2022.
The farm submitted a final reconsideration request to the CFIA on September 15, representing its last administrative option before enforcement proceeds. The agency has not announced a timeline for reviewing the request or executing the original disposal order.
American Influencer Proposes Cross-Border Solution
Conservative commentator Chris Sanders has emerged as an unexpected ally, proposing to relocate the birds to locations in Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota through his American News Network platform. Sanders suggested the ostriches could serve scientific purposes, specifically creating antibodies against avian flu. The influencer has called for truck drivers to assist with transportation logistics for the cross-border operation.
Farm spokeswoman Katie Pasitney confirmed awareness of Sanders' proposal and stated the business is exploring this option. Pasitney anticipates enforcement action could occur over the weekend or Monday, directing supporters to monitor highways for police presence and contact authorities to advocate for the farm's position. The international attention demonstrates how the regulatory dispute has expanded beyond local agricultural concerns into broader cross-border advocacy networks.
Stay tuned for more details as this case unfolds.
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