B.C. CFIA office vandalized amid ‘harassment and threats’ over ostrich cull

Businessman John Catsimatidis speaks about the culling of more than 300 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm with Katie Pasitney, whose family owns the farm.

A B.C. office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was vandalized over the weekend, an incident the regulator says comes as there has been “ongoing threats and harassment” directed at staff over a cull at an ostrich farm in Edgewood.

Castanet reported on the vandalism on Sunday, publishing a photo of the windows of the storefront smeared with what appears to be excrement.

A spokesperson for the CFIA made a link between the controversy over the cull and the vandalism.

“There has been ongoing harassment and threats directed to CFIA employees and offices by some individuals who disagree with the CFIA’s disease control measures at the Universal Ostrich Farms. The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. The RCMP has been contacted, and an investigation is underway,” a statement to CTV News said.

“Acts of vandalism, harassment and intimidation against CFIA facilities and employees not only endanger staff but also impede the agency’s ability to deliver critical services that protect Canada’s food supply, animals, plants, and the health of Canadians.”

The Kelowna RCMP confirmed it is investigating vandalism to a business on the block where the CFIA office is, but did not say the agency was the target.

“Police are investigating this incident,” spokesperson Cpl. Allison Konsmo wrote.

“Our teams are canvassing the area, collecting video surveillance and attempting to identify the suspects. No other details can be released at this time to keep the integrity of the investigation.”

The motive for the vandalism has not been determined but the Bredin Road location of the CFIA has been targeted by protesters in recent months.

A sign on the office’s door, partially obscured by the vandalism, informs people that the office was not directly involved in the cull.

“CFIA district offices are not involved in the day-to-day response to avian influenza. The disease response is being managed by a central command team. If you have comments or questions about the ostrich farm, the best way to provide those to the CFIA is online.”

Last week, after a final decision in court, CFIA crews moved in on Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood and culled roughly 300 birds. The government-ordered cull was initiated because of an outbreak of avian influenza on the farm that killed dozens of animals.

Anyone with information about the vandalism in Kelowna is urged to call 250-762-3300 and quote file number 2025-67770. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.