Fight to save B.C. ostriches ramps up with Trump ally weighing in

The fight to save hundreds of B.C. ostriches from a mass cull is somehow getting even more dramatic, with a member of U.S President Donald Trump’s inner circle now calling out the Canadian government.

John Catsimatidis is a New York businessman, billionaire, radio host, and Trump confidant.

He has been helping pay Universal Ostrich Farms’ legal bills — nearly $50,000 Canadian so far.

“Something is rotten in Ottawa,” Catsimatidis said during an emergency press conference held over Zoom on Thursday.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located in Edgewood, B.C., has been locked in a months-long battle with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which insists more than 300 ostriches must be culled after an avian flu outbreak last December.

But the farm — and its list of high-profile supporters — argue the birds are healthy and should be tested, not slaughtered.

Catsimatidis says if Canada won’t test the flock, then the United States should be allowed to.

“All I’m asking is for the Supreme Court of Canada to [come to] the common sense solution: allow the Food and Drug Administration to test the animals.”

He even suggested moving the birds to Dr. Mehmet Oz’s ranch in Florida.

“If Canada doesn’t want the animals, allow Dr. Oz to take them to the United States. What is wrong with that?”

Catimatidis also says that he sent Prime Minister Mark Carney a letter “asking him in the nicest way” to consider his proposal.

“I told President Trump about it. I don’t know if they discussed it,” he said, referring to a potential conversation between Carney and Trump.

What happens next

The CFIA has held its ground, saying its policies require a full flock cull after avian flu is detected.

Officials say inspectors are feeding and watering the birds, and note the animals are not showing signs of stress.

The case is now in the hands of the Supreme Court of Canada, which has temporarily paused the cull while it decides whether to hear the farm’s appeal.

A decision is expected soon.

— With files from The Canadian Press.