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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 5, 2025
Tragedy Strikes Amid CFIA Unlawful Occupation and Operation: Supporter of Universal Ostrich Farm Passes Away as Public Outrage Grows
Edgewood, British Columbia – Supporters of the Universal Ostrich Farm (UOF) are grieving the sudden and devastating loss of a beloved community member who suffered possible heart failure amid the continuous and escalating trauma and stress surrounding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) actions at the farm.
The deceased, described by friends as a tireless advocate for animal welfare and human compassion, had been on the front line, for several months, standing in defense of the ostriches and documenting what witnesses have described as heartbreaking scenes of suffering, neglect, and government overreach.
This arrangement is allowed by a Federal/Provincial agreement called Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Support (FADES) plan. Signed on April 1, 2019, by Dr. Bonnie Henry and CFIA as well as various BC Deputy Ministers, giving massive powers to governments in cases of CFIA self-declared Foreign Animal Disease (FAD).
For nearly ten (10) months, community members, animal advocates, and witnesses have watched in distress and anguish as CFIA operations, continuously carried out, under heavy police guard, have led to alleged instances of animal suffering, cruelty, and procedural misconduct.
Despite repeated public requests for oversight as well as an accurate count of the ostriches, no independent or transparent efforts, during CFIA custody, has been conducted.
This tragedy emphasizes the immense psychological and emotional toll that is happening in our community, and all around the world, with this situation. We’ve witnessed extraordinary compassion and courage, but also unconscionable cruelty, intimidation, and neglect, carried out in plain view and under official sanction by federal agency.
As the community awaits a crucial court decision this Thursday November 6th, 2025, a decision that will determine the ostriches and the farm’s future, tensions and emotional strain remains high. Supporters are calling on federal authorities, animal welfare organizations, and the public to demand:
- A full independent investigation into CFIA and RCMP conduct
- Ensure the humane treatment and protection of the ostriches at the farm
- Strict enforcement of Canada’s animal cruelty laws without political bias or exemption
- Transparency and accountability in all upcoming court proceedings
- The land and ostriches be immediately returned to their rightful and caring owners
- The herd’s health over the last 10-months demonstrates viral “burn-out” and thus, World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) standards no longer justify “stamping-out” and should be abandoned immediately.
- Complete the poll asking people what they think about this situation on the farm – poll is pinned here on X: @OstrichFarmBC (https://x.com/OstrichFarmBC)
Note: A peaceful vigil at the farm to be held in memory of Tom will be announced shortly. All are invited to attend. Check SaveOurOstriches.com for current information and updates.
____________________________________________________
MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Pasitney, Spokesperson
Tel: (250) 870-8246
Universal Ostrich Farms Inc.
301 Langille Road, Edgewood, BC V0G 1J0
Email: SaveOurOstriches@gmail.com
Website: www.SaveOurOstriches.com
X: https://x.com/OstrichFarmBC (@OstrichFarmBC)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurOstriches
IG: https://www.instagram.com/SaveOurOstriches
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