Public pushback, protests on the rise after CFIA’s senseless ostrich slaughter

Canadians are filing criminal complaints against the CFIA and RCMP, demanding accountability, and preparing nationwide protests.

Drea Humphrey
  |   November 19, 2025   |   News   |   4 Comments

After the CFIA slaughtered over 300 healthy ostriches, Universal Ostrich Farms mourns the loss but is encouraged by positive news regarding their criminal charges and a growing movement exposing the agency's overreach.

Prior to the slaughter of their flock, farm co-owner Karen Espersen and her adult daughter, Katie Pasitney, were arrested for "obstructing officials" by feeding and caring for their birds.

The CFIA arrested Katie and Karen under the Health of Animals Act. However, the farmers, initially scheduled for a Thursday court appearance, have now learned the Crown "will not have potential charges approved at this time."

Though farmers celebrated, believing charges were dropped, Rebel News confirmed with a defence lawyer that the charges are "unlikely to be approved now." However, the B.C. Prosecution Service may issue a new process and approve charges later.

For now, the grieving farmers can breathe easier, and Canadians are taking action.

In today’s report, Drea Humphrey reports on businessman and freedom defender Shaun Rickard, who has filed criminal complaints against the CFIA and the RCMP. 

Rickard alleges violations of Criminal Code Sections 445 (injuring/endangering animals and causing unnecessary suffering) and 446 (causing damage/injury to animals). He has also filed a complaint with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission regarding the RCMP's conduct during the operation.

Meanwhile, Animal-law nonprofit Animal Justice has also filed a complaint, backing a culling industry whistleblower's claims. The organization contends the CFIA's ostrich extermination method was inhumane and demands a review, which must ironically be conducted by the very agency accused of the misconduct.

The CFIA recently defended using professional marksmen as "the most appropriate and humane option." Infectious disease veterinarian Scott Weese, finding the "gunfire thing certainly wasn’t appealing," urged the agency to explain the expert-advised alternatives that were rejected.

Experts like Weese question the CFIA's methods and transparency regarding the controversial Nov. 6 cull at Universal Ostrich Farms in southeastern B.C.

Inspired by the Edgewood tragedy, Canadians nationwide, including farmers and supporters, are organizing November 22 convoy protests against government overreach in agriculture. Rebel News will be on the ground covering multiple demonstrations.

Help Rebel News continue its reporting on the Ostrich massacre!

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For months, our team has been on the ground at Universal Ostrich Farms, documenting every step of this tragedy — from the first ominous signs of federal overreach to the night nearly a thousand shots rang out, leaving a field of hundreds of dead ostriches and a family shattered.

Our journalists confronted the RCMP, pressed CFIA officials, launched drones to reveal the truth, and refused to be intimidated or silenced.

But holding powerful institutions to account takes resources: travel, security, legal access, and the manpower of an around-the-clock reporting team.

If you believe in independent journalism that asks the tough questions the establishment won’t touch, please chip in to help us keep digging.

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Drea Humphrey

B.C. Bureau Chief

Based in British Columbia, Drea Humphrey reports on Western Canada for Rebel News. Drea’s reporting is not afraid to challenge political correctness, or ask the tough questions that mainstream media tends to avoid.

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COMMENTS

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  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2025-11-20 23:16:37 -0500
    This must be made into a documentary. People need a concise video report from start to finish. Let this story be shared far and wide. If the CFIA can do this to one farm, how many more times will they do that. It’s time to push hard against government overreach.
  • Darlene Letourneau
    commented 2025-11-20 18:56:28 -0500
    Drea
    I want to commend you for your brilliant reporting of the fight to save these amazing birds. Your coverage was so inspiring and well documented that I believe that is what forced the msm to cover it. Well done Drea!
  • Fran G
    commented 2025-11-20 15:56:04 -0500
    Also, they didnt want them pesky demonstrators there
  • Lance Humphries
    commented 2025-11-20 00:06:43 -0500
    Charges were dropped b/c they got what they wanted – the eggs and the birds dead!! The charges were just to hold you at bay til the job was completed!!