**NowMedia's previous coverage of the planned ostrich cull can be found at this link.**
The BC RCMP is investigating an escalation in threats of violence directed at businesses or suspected businesses associated with the planned cull of ostriches at a BC Interior farm.
According to police, reports of these threats began on Sept. 22, the same day that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) arrived at the property of Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, BC.
“Businesses from across British Columbia have been flooded with phone calls and emails with language intended to intimidate should they continue to participate in CFIA’s operation,” wrote the RCMP.
“Some businesses have been targeted in error.”
On Wednesday, the situation escalated after a business in the Lower Mainland reported receiving threats of having their offices shot, their employees threatened with being followed and being shot at their residences.
“The RCMP fully supports peaceful, safe and lawful protest. However, these acts, as well as inciting violence against businesses and employees, go far beyond the scope of protesting an issue,” added police.
“We want to emphasize that violence, threats, intimidation tactics and harassment campaigns are criminal and will not be tolerated.”
As a result, multiple investigations have been launched with the intention of making arrests and submitting charge recommendations.
“There is no online protection for those who are inciting these acts under the guise of protesting and investigators are also looking at supporters or those who are counselling or inciting others to these acts,” stated the RCMP.
“Companies have a right to conduct business with whomever they wish, just as protesters have a right to their freedom of expression and association.”
Anyone with knowledge of individuals making threats is asked to call their local police. Another option is to remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Police are also investigating a fire that occurred on the farm in the early hours of Wednesday.
The fire involved bales of hay that were reportedly being used to form a wall as part of the planned ostrich cull, which is now on hold.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Canada granted an interim stay of proceedings on the CFIA’s December 2024 order to dispose of the flock of 400 ostriches after an outbreak of avian influenza.
The CFIA has until Oct. 3 to reply to the application and after those filings, the farm will have two days to provide a response to the Supreme Court.
