In southeastern B.C., a dispute over an order to cull around 400 birds at an ostrich farm has escalated, leading to complaints from local businesses about harassment. One company reported receiving death threats directed at its workers. The owners of Universal Ostrich Farms have been vehemently opposing the cull order, claiming it represents government overreach. The standoff has garnered global attention, even drawing interest from authorities in the White House of former President Donald Trump.
Following the detection of avian flu in the herd last December, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) deployed to the farm near Edgewood in southeastern B.C. under police escort to prepare for the cull. The mother and daughter central to the dispute were arrested by the RCMP on Tuesday and subsequently released.
Katie Pasitney, the spokesperson for Universal Ostrich, alongside her mother Karen Espersen, has rallied supporters to contact various organizations such as the local SPCA, humane societies, RCMP, and CFIA non-emergency lines for assistance.
Several businesses believed to be involved in supporting the cull have also become targets. Nuco Environmental Solutions, based in Surrey, B.C., clarified that it is not providing any services at Universal Ostrich Farms, despite facing false accusations and threats, including death threats, due to misinformation.
Clearway Trucks, reacting to negative reviews and concerns regarding their trucks potentially being used in the cull, issued statements on social media and their website disavowing any prior knowledge and demanding the return of their trucks. They later confirmed the repossession of the vehicles.
The B.C. SPCA emphasized its lack of authority to intervene in cases involving avian influenza and legal culls. Pasitney urged supporters on social media to contact local businesses that could be engaged by the CFIA for services.
Local tensions have intensified, with residents expressing frustration over the ongoing situation at Universal Ostrich Farm. RCMP confirmed receiving reports from local businesses detailing threats, harassment, and intimidation related to the dispute. Authorities stated that they would investigate and hold individuals accountable for any unlawful actions in line with Canadian laws.