Supporters urged to surround B.C. farm where 400 ostriches ordrered culled [Video]

The family operating the British Columbia ostrich farm where 400 birds have been ordered culled say about 40 supporters have arrived on scene in anticipation of a possible showdown with federal authorities.

In the meantime, the Regional District of Central Kootenay says it has received an operational certificate from the provincial Environment Ministry for its landfill in Castlegar, B.C., to handle the disposal of the avian influenza-infected waste, if the culling of the ostriches occurs.

Katie Pasitney, whose parents own Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., says the family is vowing to fight for the survival of the ostriches through legal means, but has already seen supporters to their cause call in from across Canada and the United States.

In a video message posted on Facebook, Pasitney’s mother Karen urged supporters to “come surround the farm” and “don’t let them do this to these beautiful animals.”

The development comes as …