Why was the $10,000 fine against Universal Ostrich Farms overturned?

The fine was overturned because the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal found that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) did not properly deliver the final amended quarantine notice in person, as required by regulations.

What happened to the birds at Universal Ostrich Farms?

The approximately 300 birds at Universal Ostrich Farms were culled in November 2025 by the CFIA due to a highly pathogenic avian influenza detection.

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Ostrich Farm Fine Overturned by Tribunal

Q: How much did the cull of the ostrich birds cost taxpayers?

The cull of the birds resulted in approximately $7 million in taxpayer expenditures, including substantial costs for the RCMP.

11 Feb

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Summary

Tribunal overturned a $10,000 fine against Universal Ostrich Farms.
CFIA failed to properly deliver quarantine notice to the farm.
The farm's birds were culled in November 2025 for avian flu.
Legal challenges have surrounded Universal Ostrich and its birds.
Taxpayer expenditures for the cull reached approximately $7 million.

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has set aside a $10,000 fine levied against Universal Ostrich Farms by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA had accused the farm of failing to quarantine its approximately 300 birds after a highly pathogenic avian influenza detection in December 2024.

The tribunal found that the CFIA had not met its burden to prove proper personal delivery of the final amended quarantine notice between February 6 and February 26, 2025. Regulations require personal delivery, and the tribunal determined that email service was insufficient, especially without evidence of exceptional circumstances justifying an exception.

This ruling is part of continuing legal disputes involving Universal Ostrich Farms. Despite protests and support from notable figures, the CFIA culled the birds in November 2025 due to the avian flu outbreak. This cull resulted in approximately $7 million in taxpayer expenditures, including significant RCMP costs.