By Katie Pasitney

For months now, Universal Ostrich has stood in the eye of a storm—one that many farmers know all too well, but few dare to speak against out of fear. Our farm, built with love, science, and integrity, became a target of outdated “stamping out” policies. Policies that value bureaucracy over biology. Policies that do not acknowledge the uniqueness of our birds or the responsible, bio secure practices we’ve maintained for decades.

We were told to cull our healthy, vibrant ostriches. We were told to stand aside as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tried to carry out a policy that is not only scientifically unfounded in our case, but morally and economically devastating. We refused. Not out of defiance—but out of principle.

Where We Are Now

We took our case to court again and won the right to appeal. And now, we’re headed to Ottawa. This is no longer just about our farm. This is about every farmer in Canada who has lived in fear of one phone call, one test result, or one CFIA order that could destroy everything overnight, without evidence, without nuance, and without compassion.

Why This Matters for All Farmers

The CFIA’s approach to managing disease—particularly their “stamping out” policy—is outdated and inflexible. It treats all species the same, despite clear scientific differences in susceptibility and risk. Our ostriches are not chickens, and they don’t carry the same risks. Yet we’ve been treated as if they are.

This battle is about science-based farming, property rights, animal welfare, and rural resilience. If they can do this to us, they can do this to anyone. And they have.

It’s time for Canadian agricultural policy to evolve. It’s time to acknowledge the failures in current biosecurity enforcement and start treating farmers like partners—not enemies.

What Comes Next

As we prepare for our appeal in Ottawa, we are asking for your continued support and compassion. This has been an emotionally and financially exhausting process. But your messages, your letters, your standing beside us—have kept us going.

We need to keep raising awareness. We need to keep pressuring policymakers. And we need to protect the future of farming in this country.

How You Can Help

• Share our story far and wide.
• Write to your MP and demand policy reform on stamping out and CFIA practices.
• Support local farms that fight for ethical and scientific integrity.
• Follow us on social media and stay updated on the Ottawa appeal.

This isn’t just about ostriches. It’s about every farm, every family, and the future of food sovereignty in Canada. We thank you for walking with us.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we will be heard.

For more information, please visit saveourostriches.com