‘We need more time.’
That is the message from Universal Ostrich Farms as they lodge an emergency stay order on Monday, May 26, to save around 400 ostriches placed on a kill order by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
“The next steps would be a case management conference, trying to figure how we how we go forward with this and embrace that letter and the collaboration opportunity with Secretary Kennedy and the USA and the FDA and the HHS and just see where we can go from there.” said Katie Pasitney, who’s parents own the farm.
The farm has been fighting the order since December due to avian flu detection at the property, however, the owners continue to push for re-testing to save their flock.
Support grows
The farm’s call for visitors to come and see their birds is being heard near and far, with many making camp to show their support.
Last weekend saw a great turnout and this weekend farm owners are anticipating a convoy of supporters to make the drive to Edgewood.
“It is bringing us so much comfort and hope that this has been able to bring so many people together, that believe in the bigger picture, which is a reminder of how the farms like ours is the backbone of our communities.” said Pasitney,
“We are getting so many people that want to be part of the journey in protecting these animals and our farmers across the world.”
“They are coming out here and seeing the prehistoric, beautiful nature and the beauty in these animals that we’re trying to protect here.”
Pasitney says First Nations communities continue to provide their support on site.
“They’ve been coming out and doing drumming with these ostriches, a healing ceremony and saging- bringing prayer, and it’s been beautiful.” She said.
“The ostriches- you can tell love it, and I know that we love it too, so thank you to the First Nations communities that are standing up with us.”
Get the right information
With growing interest across the country and the globe, Pasitney is directly those interested in this issue to get the information from the source and follow along on their social media pages.
“There’s a lot of chatter online and there’s a lot of people who have different beliefs, and it’s really important we have honesty and that it needs to come from source.”
You can follow along at Save Our Ostriches.
The CFIA says the cull will still go ahead, with the dates and plans not to be shared publicly, citing privacy protections for producers.
Related coverage:
RCMP investigate alleged ostrich shooting
The fight to save 400 ostriches grows
Federal Court rejects Universal Ostrich Farm’s request to halt cull
Edgewood’s ostrich farm takes the fight to parliament
Edgewood Ostriches survive another day
Fighting for survival; Ostrich cull order nears for Edgewood farm
