Target: Paul MacKinnon, President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada
Goal: Stop the mass killing of nearly 400 recovered ostriches and mandate an independent, humane, science-based alternative.
A recent federal court decision has cleared the way for nearly 400 ostriches to be destroyed months after an avian influenza outbreak. The farm says the surviving birds recovered and developed herd immunity, yet they now face permanent loss of life despite this claimed recovery. Animal advocates have publicly questioned whether such a large-scale kill is necessary or humane.
Accounts indicate dozens of birds died during the initial outbreak, but no new deaths have been cited for months. The remaining ostriches are, by multiple reports, living and stable. Ordering their destruction now would discard less-lethal options such as targeted testing, quarantine, and controlled movement overseen by veterinary experts.
Public confidence in animal-health policy depends on measures that are demonstrably necessary, proportionate, and transparent. Sign below to demand an immediate moratorium on the cull, a rapid independent risk assessment, and the exploration of non-lethal, welfare-compliant alternatives are needed. Should any individual or entity be found to have ignored humane standards or caused needless suffering in this process, the maximum penalties available should be pursued.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President MacKinnon,
We are alarmed by reports that nearly 400 ostriches are slated for destruction months after an avian influenza event, even as the herd is recovered and stable. Proceeding with a mass kill under these circumstances is unnecessary and risks undermining public trust in science-based animal-health decisions.
We respectfully urge you to immediately pause the cull, commission a swift independent veterinary assessment, and prioritize non-lethal, evidence-based options such as enhanced testing, quarantine, controlled movement, and secure placement that meet biosecurity requirements. These approaches would align with humane treatment expectations while addressing legitimate disease-control goals.
If any party is found to have disregarded welfare obligations or employed inhumane methods, we ask that you ensure full accountability, including the pursuit of all applicable penalties. These sentient birds deserve careful, transparent decision-making—not an avoidable end.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis
