The night air near Englewood, British Columbia, shattered with the relentless sound of gunfire, a horrifying chorus punctuated by the cries of onlookers. Witnesses described a scene of unimaginable distress as a large-scale ostrich cull unfolded, the echoes of each shot reverberating through the rural landscape.
Independent journalist Chris Dacey, present at the scene, reported hearing over a hundred gunshots. Floodlights illuminated the area as workers, clad in hazmat suits, herded the birds into a confined space – a “kill box” – before the shooting began. Despite attempts to restrict access, the sound of the gunfire carried clearly to those on the nearby highway.
The cull commenced just hours after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal from farmers seeking to save approximately 350 ostriches. The decision effectively sealed the fate of the flock, triggering a swift and brutal response from authorities.
The atmosphere was described as chaotic and deeply upsetting. People were visibly distraught, struggling to comprehend the unfolding tragedy. As the gunfire continued, RCMP officers arrived in force, their presence escalating tensions rather than calming them, according to reports.
Neither the RCMP nor the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) offered official confirmation, despite acknowledging requests for comment. However, the expressions on the faces of the officers present spoke volumes, painting a grim picture of the events unfolding.
The core debate surrounding the ostriches – whether they carried avian flu or had developed herd immunity – became tragically moot with the commencement of the cull. Offers to conduct comprehensive testing were dismissed, eliminating the possibility of verifying the birds’ health status.
Karen Espersen, co-owner of the farm, vehemently maintained the health of her birds, arguing there was no justification for their destruction. She confronted the RCMP, passionately declaring, “Those are healthy birds. You are murderers.”
Multiple parties offered to fund testing or relocate the ostriches to a sanctuary where they would not be culled, but these proposals were rejected by the government. This decision has drawn criticism for its inflexibility and disregard for alternative solutions.
The situation evoked memories of the rigid approach taken during the pandemic, where potential middle ground solutions were often overlooked. The government’s unwavering stance contrasted sharply with the passionate pleas of those who believed the ostriches could be saved for research or other purposes.
For weeks leading up to the cull, preparations had been underway, with specialized equipment and vehicles arriving on site. Observers anticipated the outcome following the Supreme Court’s decision, bracing for the inevitable. As the night wore on, and the gunfire continued, a sense of dread settled over those present, fearing few, if any, ostriches would survive.
