Photo: GoFundMe
(New York, NY) – Over the past month, we’ve watched closely. The question has been answered: Canadian authorities really will kill these defenseless ostriches, who are ancient birds that may carry genetic information needed to fight diseases. 77 WABC owner-operator John Catsimatidis has made the point repeatedly: there are powerful and well-funded forces at play here. Pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in keeping knowledge limited when it comes to naturally-occurring ways to fight disease. And so the push to protect innocent animals involves doing what’s right, as well as what’s best for the human race.
Catsimatidis has helped bring attention to the issue, getting Dr. Oz and American Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. involved. The trio have sought a “diplomatic meeting with Canadian officials” about the fate of the ostriches. Catsimatidis recently spoke with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, calling on them to get Prime Minister Mark Carney to intervene.
Sadly, Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, BC has lost its appeal to prevent the slaughter of their flock, so now the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is allowed to kill nearly 400 birds.
“Today we received the devastating news that our final appeal was lost,” said Katie Pasitney, spokesperson for the farm and daughter of co-owner Karen Espersen. “The Court has given a unanimous no decision.” She explained that since there is no stay order in place, the CFIA could come start the cull “at any moment. We will try for a stay order that will not be able to be in until next week,” Pasitney added. “The chance of us getting approved for Supreme Court is very low. As of right now we sit with animals that need protection and for people that would be willing to film when they come. Absolutely zero violence Peaceful only.”
The saga began in December 2024, when an avian flu outbreak was declared at the farm. Co-owner Karen Espersen said she believed the disease was brought to their property by a flock of migrating ducks, who took shelter in the barn. At first, the farm saw as many as four ostriches dying per day, but eventually the deaths petered out. Pasitney said this was evidence that the birds had acquired herd immunity.
