OTTAWA—Animal Justice is saddened by the news that the lives of the innocent birds at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., are again in jeopardy following Thursday’s Federal Court of Appeal ruling.
“While we support science-based decision-making, particularly in matters of public health, we hope this moment prompts reflection and we again urge the CFIA to consider whether these killings are truly necessary given how much time has passed since the outbreak was identified late last year,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice.
“The ostriches don’t deserve to die—whether by the hands of the CFIA, or by being slaughtered by Universal Ostrich farm for their meat. Ultimately, they are victims of a large-scale factory farming system that has allowed dangerous pathogens like avian influenza to spread and decimate birds trapped in the system. The widespread public concern over this case shows why the CFIA must reassess its disease control policies, especially in cases where animals appear to have recovered and transmission risks may be considered low,” Ms. Labchuk said.
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