Judge dismisses ostrich appeal, B.C. birds back on death row

Published 7:55 am Thursday, November 6, 2025

The Universal Ostrich Farms application for an appeal has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

“The motion for a stay of execution is dismissed,” reads the decision, which was released on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Reasons for the dismissial were not released.

“The application for leave to appeal from the judgment of the Federal Court of Appeal… dated August 21, 2025, is dismissed with costs,” the decision reads.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be moving forward to complete depopulation and disposal measures as authorized by the Health of Animals Act and guided by the stamping out policy for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

“The Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal both determined that the CFIA acted reasonably and in a procedurally fair manner in its decision to apply the stamping-out policy for the ostrich premises,” the agency said following the decision.

“The CFIA has respected all orders and decisions of the courts throughout the legal process and expects the ostrich farm owners and supporters to do the same now that the Supreme Court of Canada has issued its judgment.”

Protestors and supporters have been at the farm for months, with more expected to stand with the farm owners now that the cull is proceeding.

But those individuals are reminded that it is an offence to obstruct or hinder the operation.

Drones and aircraft are also restricted above the ostrich farm.

“The CFIA’s stamping out policy aims to protect human health, animal health, and international trade access,” the agency continues.

“Our disease response aims to protect both public and animal health, as well as minimize impacts on the $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. This supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.”