The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is defending its use of firearms in the cull of more than 300 ostriches near Edgewood.
The CFIA brought in a professional marksman to conduct the cull at the Universal Ostrich Farm in early November.
The agency said an avian flu outbreak was detected on the farm in late 2024 and ordered the cull in January 2025.
Animal Justice Canada filed a formal complaint with the CFIA over the method in the weeks following the cull, calling it “shocking”.
“Media and eyewitness reports indicate that the ostriches were herded together into a hay-bale enclosure and killed by gunfire in front of each other after night fell. This is a particularly shocking and inappropriate way to kill birds,” said Animal Justice Canada executive director and lawyer Camille Labchuck.
In a statement to Vista Radio, the agency reiterated that “experts experienced in managing ostrich disease outbreaks” led the CFIA to conclude that the use of firearms was the most “approperiate and humane” method.
“Given the facilities available on the farm, the CFIA concluded that the most appropriate and humane option was to use professional marksmen in a controlled on-farm setting. All depopulation activities were completed under CFIA veterinary supervision,” said the agency.
It said the method is consistent with Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommendations and “may be used as required – particularly when other methods are impractical”.
AVMA recommendations
The AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals 2019 edition list the use of gunshots in constrained circumstances for outdoor-access poultry as permitted, though it is generally “discouraged” for most commercial poultry “owing to the size and number of the birds in question”.
“While all depopulation methods require skilled personnel, the use of firearms raises the concerns to a higher level. Only skilled firearms operators should be involved in the process. Firearms may be one of the few physical methods available for large ratites,” recommends the AVMA.
The document noted gunshots used with free-ranging birds will likely result in dispersion rather than depopulation, recommending that it be used at night.
“Shooting birds sleeping at night roosts has been found to be effective for depopulation. If shooting must occur, personnel must be trained and proficient in the appropriate use of firearms for birds and must follow local firearm regulations,” said the AVMA.
Animal cruelty laws
The CFIA also rejected Animal Justice Canada’s allegation that the process breached animal cruelty laws.
“This operation respected all relevant provincial and federal animal welfare standards and required regulations and was designed to provide for the safety of CFIA staff, contractors and the public in the vicinity of the infected premises.”
The agency reiterated that it conducts thorough due diligence to identify humane methods appropriate for the species, with consideration given to the size and number of animals as well as facilities available on-farm.
In the case of the ostriches, the CFIA said a licensed veterinarian was present to provide oversight throughout the culling process.
“Depopulation was conducted humanely and in accordance with recognized best practices, reinforcing the CFIA’s commitment to animal welfare.”
The agency plans to provide a written response to Animal Justice Canada’s complaint but did not say when.
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