The RCMP said it was called in to maintain safety during a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) operation at an ostrich farm near Edgewood, following months of protests and legal challenges.
The CFIA obtained a search warrant for Universal Ostrich Farm on Sept. 3, 2025. The agency began its on-site operation on Sept. 22, with RCMP officers present to keep the peace while federal agents carried out their work.
The RCMP said it remained impartial during the protests but was asked by CFIA to provide support due to heightened tensions and safety concerns.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the farm’s application for leave to appeal a ruling by the Federal Court of Appeal.
While the RCMP’s role remained unchanged, police say escalating threats and intimidation directed at CFIA staff and contractors reinforced the need for continued law enforcement on site.
Later that same day, shortly after 3:30 p.m., RCMP closed Langille Road to non-residents for public safety reasons, ahead of what they described as “the dynamic portion” of the CFIA cull.
RCMP said officers oversaw the safety and security of the area but did not take part in the actual cull. The road was reopened once that phase of the operation ended.
“The CFIA cull exercise was paused by the RCMP in order to allow for shift change of our security team,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark in a statement.
“Once our safety concerns were addressed, CFIA contractors were allowed to proceed. With our oversight of safety protocols, no one was injured during the dynamic portion of the CFIA operation, and no arrests were made.”
Police said they will remain on site at the request of CFIA as the agency carries out disposal and demobilization.
