DAY 2: Tensions rise as RCMP prep for ostrich cull
Drea Humphrey and Sheila Gunn Reid provided live updates throughout the day on Tuesday, as a cull order against 400 healthy ostriches appeared set to be enforced.
Earlier this week, Rebel News reporter Drea Humphrey dropped what she was doing and rushed to the remote British Columbia town of Edgewood, where the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is determined to carry out a cull order on 400 healthy ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms.
This quick departure left Drea with limited supplies as she rushed to the town in the southeastern corner of the province. Chief Reporter Sheila Gunn Reid joined her there, making an 11-hour trip from Alberta to provide more support.
Now, the situation at the farm seems to be nearing a dramatic conclusion following a lengthy legal process that began when two birds died of avian flu in December 2024.
But the remaining birds appear to be healthy, having survived more than 250 days since the outbreak. Antibodies from the birds are currently being used for research into the virus and its treatments.
Despite that, and despite offers from Americans to take the flock and continue the research efforts, the CFIA is insisting the cull order must go on. RCMP officers have been on site at the farm, where supporters have showed up to protest against the slaughter.
Following an escalation in the cull operation on Monday, tensions continued to rise on Tuesday as two of the farmers, including spokesperson Katie Pasitney, were arrested and eventually released.
Hay bales were transported to the area in preparation for the cull, with our Rebel News team getting a view of the area from the sky via helicopter.
While the ostriches remained alive and well on Tuesday, supporters fear for the worst on Wednesday.
Continue to follow the latest developments and support Rebel News' coverage of this story at SaveTheOstriches.com.
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