The BC SPCA’s vision is to see all animals and people thriving together, this includes companion, farmed and wild animals in British Columbia. The death of any animal always weighs heavy on the hearts of BC SPCA staff. We know how hard a situation like this can be on the animals and the community who has cared for them and wish to extend our sympathies to all involved.
Recently, a statement from the Coexisting with Wild Animals section of the BC SPCA’s website has been circulating on social media. This statement speaks to the organization’s authority to intervene in situations involving a legally permitted cull of free-living wildlife, however that same authority does not apply to disease management situations in a farm environment as this falls under federal jurisdiction and is overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA.)
The BC SPCA is not a government agency, nor is it funded by any level of government for animal protection investigations. BC SPCA animal protection officers are granted authority under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to investigate and take action against concerns related to animal cruelty. However, authority granted under the PCA Act does not allow the BC SPCA to intervene or influence decisions in disease management situations or to stop a legally permitted cull. There is no evidence currently before the BC SPCA that would justify an investigation of distress pursuant to the PCA Act related to ongoing activities or planned cull at the Universal Ostrich Farm.
A key part of the BC SPCA’s work in support of vulnerable animals across the province is to identify opportunities where the organization can influence systems change and address the root causes of animal suffering in our society. The BC SPCA advocates at all levels of government for stronger laws and regulations to support higher farmed animal welfare standards and for regulations around the keeping or farming of exotic animals. More information about how the BC SPCA advocates on behalf of animals can be found here.
The BC SPCA continues to field a significant volume of inquiries related to the Universal Ostrich Farm from concerned animal lovers across North America. Please note that BC SPCA staff, including Animal Helpline operators and animal centre teams, cannot provide more information about the situation at Universal Ostrich Farm.
Original Statement: September 23, 2025
Since 2004, British Columbia has seen ongoing concerns related to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly on poultry farms. Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a viral infection that spreads easily and quickly among both farmed and wild birds but can also be spread to people and other animals. As there is currently no treatment for infected birds, farmed animals are euthanized when flocks are confirmed to be infected to reduce animal suffering and prevent the risk of further disease transmission.
In disease control cases, such as the one involving the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions falls under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The BC SPCA does not have any authority to intervene or influence the decision-making process where avian influenza is a factor, nor does it have the authority to prevent a legally permitted cull from happening.
In situations where an animal is suffering from a mental or physical illness that cannot be treated, or an illness that poses a serious public health or public safety concern, euthanasia may be an appropriate action. In these situations, the BC SPCA believes the methods used to euthanize any animal must be humane and ensure that fear, pain and anxiety are kept to minimal levels prior to and during killing. Details of the BC SPCA’s position statement on humane killing can be found here.
The BC SPCA recognizes the negative impact of euthanasia for disease control purposes on the animals, farmers, and the community. The organization actively advocates for changes to wildlife and farmed animal management efforts that protect animal health and welfare to reduce the spread of avian influenza to avoid the need for euthanasia in the future.
Anyone with concerns related to the activities at the Universal Ostrich Farm are encouraged to reach out to CFIA directly.