Statement
September 24, 2025

UBCIC Deeply Concerned with Ostrich Farm Cull

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 24, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is aware of conflicting reports regarding ongoing activities at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C. including plans for a highly contentious and brutal cull of ostriches in response to avian influenza. UBCIC is aware that local First Nations have not been consulted or engaged in decision making.

The B.C. SPCA has publicly acknowledged the need for euthanasia in certain disease-control situations such as this one, while emphasizing that any culling must be carried out humanely and with minimal suffering. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed cases of avian influenza (bird flu) at the farm and received Federal Court of Appeal support for its disposal order.

UBCIC emphasizes that any action taken should be done so in consultation with First Nations, clearly communicated and, delayed until pending legal matters and outstanding medical testing has been carried out. UBCIC stresses the incredible importance of humane practices in any culling that must occur and urges transparency and accountability in how decisions are made and implemented. UBCIC will continue to monitor the situation closely and we reiterate our call for a lawful, transparent, and humane approach that respects First Nations rights and interests and prioritizes animal welfare. It is imperative that we all do our part to protect Mother Nature's creatures. In closing, the UBCIC celebrates the SCCs “stay the of execution” of the 400 ostriches.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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