Many thanks to Drea Humphrey from Rebel News for this reporting.
| Dear Sandra,
I just arrived in Edgewood, B.C., to some incredible news: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been blocked from fulfilling its cull order plans against 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms — at least temporarily. The farm owners learned of the CFIA’s plan to dispose of the ostrich carcasses at the local landfill, despite the birds being healthy and asymptomatic for months before their scheduled culling. So in a surprising, near-miraculous turn of events, the Regional District of Central Kootenay responded to the pleas from the farmers and some of their supporters and unanimously passed a motion to refuse receipt of the carcasses until the CFIA tests the birds to see what, if anything, they have. I was on scene inside the farm home when co-owners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski received the great news. Click here for the latest update. That’s right. These birds, which are part of a critical avian flu research project, have received a last-minute reprieve. I spoke with Karen and several passionate supporters standing in peaceful defiance of the government’s kill order. No doubt, their presence and the overwhelming public attention have kept the CFIA hitmen at bay.
Dozens of freedom fighters are still camped out here in solidarity with the farm because they know the battle isn’t over. This fight is making waves, and I’m here to report every development as it happens. (To support my work, please visit SaveTheOstriches.com.) This is about more than just ostriches… It’s about government overreach, the rights of farmers, and property rights. That’s why we’re not backing down and will continue to bring you these reports. If you believe in journalism that shows up and speaks out, please help fund my nine-hour journey from Vancouver to Edgewood to cover this story by chipping in at SaveTheOstriches.com. Stay tuned for more. Yours truly, P.S. This fight is just getting started. Please help crowdfund my on-the-ground reporting and ensure the government knows the world is watching. Every dollar helps me stay here and keep the cameras rolling. Donate now at SaveTheOstriches.com. |