Mounties investigate ostrich death at B.C. farm facing cull order

Ostriches are seen at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., on May 17. Hundreds of supporters flocked to the farm over the Victoria Day long weekend to protest the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s order to cull about 400 ostriches. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Hemens

RCMP say they are investigating the death of an ostrich at a farm in Edgewood, B.C., where protesters have gathered to prevent a cull of the birds ordered by federal authorities.

Katie Pasitney, whose parents own the farm, posted a video on social media on Friday morning saying a large drone had flown over the property between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., and one of their “biggest, beautiful roosters” was shot dead.

Pasitney says in a later post that Mounties have been collecting statements from witnesses, and that there is a “clear entry wound and exit wound” through the bird that died.

The RCMP has confirmed an ostrich died and they are investigating, but they have not provided details about the circumstances.

Mounties previously said they were aware of “increased tensions” and protest activity at the farm after the Federal Court upheld a cull order by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency earlier this month.

The agency wants the flock of about 400 ostriches culled due to an outbreak of avian flu that killed dozens of the birds in December and January.

This report by Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025.