Man charged after altercation linked to protest at B.C. ostrich farm

A man from Ontario has been charged following an altercation connected to a protest at Universal Ostrich Farm in the rural community of Edgewood, where federal inspectors culled more than 300 birds last month amid an avian influenza outbreak. RCMP say officers were called to the area on September 22, when they were alerted to a disturbance at a neighbouring property shortly after arriving to support federal officials.

Mounties report that a 73-year-old woman received medical attention from officers at the scene, and a 60-year-old man was taken into custody. Investigators say the individual has now been charged with assault, assault with a weapon and mischief, and is expected to appear in court next month.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency carried out the cull on November 6 after a series of legal efforts by the farm’s owners to prevent the destruction of the flock, which had been under quarantine due to avian flu. RCMP say they were present during the earlier warrant-authorized inspection in September at the request of federal officials to help maintain safety and enforce the law.

The incident has drawn attention within the region, where poultry and livestock operations continue to face heightened disease-control measures. Local producers in B.C.’s Interior have voiced concerns in recent years about the risks of avian influenza, which has led to several culls across the province.