The Law Says the Birds Don’t Have to Be Destroyed!

The Law Says the Birds Don’t Have to Be Destroyed!

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is insisting that all ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm must be culled. However, Canadian law makes it clear that there are alternatives — especially when the value of scientific research is at stake. Dr. Steven Pelech has made it clear: there IS research value.

Health of Animals Act — Section 48(2) “Treatment”

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-3.3/FullText.html

“The Minister may treat any animal… or require its owner… to treat it… where the Minister considers that the treatment will be effective in eliminating or preventing the spread of the disease…”

This provides authority for a treatment and containment protocol — including quarantine, testing, vaccination, or biocontainment — instead of culling, if it prevents the spread.

Health of Animals Regulations — Section 5(1)(a) Inspector Discretion

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.%2C_c._296/20240617/P1TT3xt3.html

A veterinary inspector may order an exposed or suspect animal “to quarantine, keep separate or treat the animal,” rather than destroy it.

This is textbook discretion: if risk can be managed through separation and treatment, destruction is not the only option.

Health of Animals Act — Section 13(2)(a) “Reserve for Experimentation”

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-3.3/FullText.html

“The Minister may reserve for experimentation an animal required to be destroyed under this Act…”

Even if destruction is ordered, the Minister can reserve animals for controlled research. Parliament established this “research valve” specifically to preserve animals of scientific value.

The law doesn’t force destruction. It provides discretion — and a choice. The government can choose science over slaughter.

The Law Says the Birds Don’t Have to Be Destroyed!

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is insisting that all ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm must be culled. However, Canadian law makes it clear that there are alternatives — especially when the value of scientific… pic.twitter.com/ybE0Vprh5I

— Jason Lavigne (@JasonLavigneAB)September 29, 2025