Ostrich farm supporters hurl expletives as CFIA agents round up birds In profanity-laden footage, supporters of Universal Ostrich yell at CFIA agents in hazmat suits rounding up ostriches that are slated to be culled.The LatestThe Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an appeal by a B.C. ostrich farm to stay an order to cull its flock of more than 300 birds.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has said it would not give advance notice of a cull. Crews in hazmat suits started moving toward the birds around 10:30 a.m. PT.A spokesperson for Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. says its owners are “devastated” by the top court’s dismissal.The CFIA first ordered the birds culled last December, after avian flu was detected at the farm in Edgewood, B.C.The case has drawn international support and attention, as well as protesters to the farm, over the past 10 months. Around two dozen supporters are on site this morning. UpdatesNovember 65 minutes agoBillionaire backer wants an investigation into the cullChad PawsonCatsimatidis during a press conference in July. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)U.S. billionaire John Catsimatidis, who gave the farm $35,000 US for legal fees, said in a news conference today that he wanted a “thorough investigation,” into the entire ostrich cull saga.“On everything,” he told reporters from New York.He said if Canada didn’t undertake such an investigation, the U.S.’s Department of Justice should. Catsimatidis didn’t elaborate on how such a potential cross-jurisdictional investigation would work legally.“It’s not up to me, I’m just a citizen that wants honesty and integrity,” he replied.13 minutes agoOstriches appear to be evading roundupAndrew KurjataI just spoke with my colleagues in the field and they say CFIA agents aren’t having much luck yet corralling the ostriches. The agents are using what appears to be orange plastic fencing and walking toward the birds, who are running away in groups. Meanwhile, supporters are still yelling at the agents to stop and urging the birds to save themselves.21 minutes agoService is still spotty in the regionRhianna SchmunkHi everyone, I’m a senior writer on the national desk based here in B.C. A reminder that cellphone service is spotty at the ostrich farm in Edgewood, but our colleagues will continue reporting as they can.44 minutes agoFarm owner urges birds to run for their livesBrady StrachanKatie Pasitney, centre, yells through tears as crews approach the ostriches. (Brady Strachan/CBC)I can see four CFIA agents in hazmat suits in a field, moving into the operation area. Pasitney and supporters are yelling, and Pasitney is crying, telling them they don’t have to do this, yelling for the birds to run. Two other supporters are yelling expletives, calling the CFIA agents scum, saying they are destroying lives.Pasitney is calling out to the ostriches by name, saying she loves them. She is calling out the names of the CFIA agents, too, saying everyone will know their names.46 minutes agoYasmine GhaniaSupporters at the ostrich farm watching crews in hazmat suits approach the birds. (Brady Strachan/CBC)Farm supporters are yelling at the CFIA agents wearing hazmat suits.“It’s not worth a paycheck! You will remember this moment for the rest of your life!” are some of the lines supporters are shouting through a microphone.46 minutes agoCrew in hazmat suits walking toward ostrichesYasmine GhaniaCrews in hazmat suits begin moving towards the ostriches. (Brady Strachan/CBC)People in hazmat suits are now in the pens, walking toward the ostriches. Farm supporters are heckling them, yelling “leave them alone.”It’s still not clear if the cull is proceeding today. The CFIA has said it will not give advance notice.58 minutes ago‘The world just woke up,’ Pasitney saysAndrew KurjataThe farm’s fight, Pasitney says in her video, is not just for the ostriches but for every farmer and animal lover who may find themselves in a similar position as avian flu spreads through wild and domestic animals.She ends by saying she is going to call her lawyer to figure out their options, though legally this seems to be the end of the road, with the CFIA confirming it will proceed with a cull. “We’re going to f—ing fight,” she says, laughter breaking up her tears. “They think we’re done now? The world just woke up.”59 minutes agoPraying for a miracleAndrew KurjataFarm co-owner Karen Espersen is embraced by supporters and her daughter, Katie Pasitney. (Aaron Hemens/The Canadian Press)In her latest video, Pasitney stands beside the ostrich pen, calling out to the “pretty birds.”“On this dreary, cold day where I’m watching my mom fall apart… our faith is stronger than ever,” she says, adding that she’s praying for a miracle.She asks leaders including B.C. Premier David Eby and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to speak out, while thanking those who already have, including Kealy, local MP Scott Anderson, and Tamara Lich, the Freedom Convoy organizer who is currently on house arrest.1 hour agoCreditors circle as cull loomsJason ProctorI’m Jason Proctor, a reporter with CBC Vancouver who looked into a series of lawsuits facing the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. Last month, I spoke with three creditors who are watching today’s ruling with great interest — and some skin in the game. B.C. Supreme Court judges have ordered the farm’s owners to repay debts worth more than $250,000 but, up until now, the creditors have been unable to collect. Normally in this kind of situation, a creditor would move to seize the business assets — but because in this case those assets are ostriches caught up in a legal battle, that’s been challenging, to say the least. All three creditors have tried to garnish the CFIA to intercept any money the agency might pay out as compensation for killing the birds (potentially up to $3,000 a bird, the CFIA says) but it remains to be seen how that will work. The creditors, however, told me they are anxious to recoup their losses.1 hour agoSupporters bear witnessBrady StrachanSupporters bear witness as ostrich cull loomsA dozen or so people gather along a road overlooking the Universal Ostrich farm, waiting for an expected cull of the birds.There are now a few dozen supporters, along with the farmers, gathered along the side of the highway that looks into the field where the CFIA has their operations set up. They are watching from here, playing music, while some are chanting and drumming. In the field, the CFIA has set up hundreds of large straw bales into large containment pens for the cull operation.
Crews in hazmat suits move in on ostriches at B.C. farm after top court dismisses appeal to save flock
