EDGEWOOD, British Columbia — A family-owned ostrich farm in British Columbia is grappling with the aftermath of a cull that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of birds. The cull was ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) amid an avian influenza outbreak. Katie Pasitney, whose mother co-owns Universal Ostrich Farms, expressed her determination to advocate for change in farming practices following the incident.

Standing near the site of the cull, Pasitney criticized the CFIA’s stamping-out policy, calling it “broken.” She believes it has failed to effectively manage the increasing outbreaks of avian influenza in British Columbia and across Canada. "This farm is ground zero for change in outbreak response," she stated, while acknowledging the emotional toll on her family. "We will never recover from this."

The cull was executed on Thursday night after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the farm's appeal against the order. Gunfire was heard around 6 p.m. as professional marksmen, hired by the CFIA, carried out the cull within a hay-bale pen. Pasitney described the method as inhumane, highlighting the distress it caused her family.

Pasitney shared a poignant moment when her father, who uses a wheelchair, cried over his inability to protect their family and the ostriches. "In a way I feel like I failed 'cause I couldn't protect my mum," she said tearfully during an interview. As the dead birds were loaded into containers, she reflected on the stark change in their land. "Our land that had so much life 24 hours ago is a cold, empty shell," she remarked.

Despite the tragedy, Pasitney is resolved to use this experience as motivation for change. "We're going to change Canada," she declared, emphasizing her commitment to improving the response to avian influenza outbreaks for the benefit of other farmers. The family hopes their experience will lead to a reevaluation of policies affecting the agricultural community.