Press Release – Feb 11, 2025: Department of Justice Lawyers File Appeal

PRESS RELEASE Feb 11, 2025

DOJ Lawyers File Appeal! This appeal is in addition to the motion for clarification and an expedited Judicial Review hearing already before the court.

The Department of Justice lawyers, acting on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) filed more court documents yesterday.

Late this morning Universal Ostrich farm owners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski were informed by their legal counsel Michael Carter, that the CFIA is now “appealing” the injunction granted by Justice Battista on January 31, 2025, prohibiting the execution of the now healthy ostriches. They are also seeking an expedited hearing of the judicial review and a clarification of the injunction order.

Speaking for the family farm Katie Pasitney states “It is obvious, in addition to the emotional assault, the deliberate infliction of psychological pain and suffering, bankrupting us by destroying our business, the CFIA is now amping up their legal assault against us in the hope we will finally break. We will fight.”

Supporters from around the world have joined the effort of the Save Our Ostriches campaign. A team of volunteers has ignited the newly established social media platforms with videos of CFIA agents, in hazmat suits, admitting the ostriches “look healthy’ but must be “eradicated.” These videos went viral.

Watch CFIA Inspection Videos here.

Thank you to all of you who keep helping us fight for what’s right and to protect our farmers, our animals and science.

Love Universal Ostrich Family