The owners of a family-run ostrich farm in British Columbia's Interior are grappling with profound loss and what they describe as a devastating legal defeat. This follows a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada that sealed the fate of their beloved birds.
A Final Legal Blow
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farms, located in Edgewood, B.C. This decision effectively upheld a previous order mandating the cull of more than 300 ostriches on the property.
The ruling marked the end of a long and arduous legal battle for the farm's co-owner, Karen Espersen, and her daughter, Katie Pasitney. In the wake of the news, the pair were seen sharing a heart-wrenching embrace on their property, a moment captured as they confronted the reality of the situation.
The Aftermath of the Cull
The enforcement of the court order was a shocking and traumatic event for both the family and supporters of the farm. Witnesses reported seeing ostriches being loaded into bins following a shooting cull, a sight that left onlookers stunned.
Protesters who had gathered at the farm in a last-ditch effort to prevent the action were left reeling. For the Espersen family, the farm is not just a business but a lifelong passion project, making the loss of over 300 birds a deeply personal catastrophe.
Ground Zero for Change
The family and their advocates now see this event as a pivotal moment, referring to their property as 'ground-zero for change'. They hope their painful experience will spark a broader conversation about agricultural regulations, property rights, and the treatment of livestock in Canada.
While the legal avenues have been exhausted, the emotional and financial repercussions for Universal Ostrich Farms will continue for years to come. The story highlights the complex intersection of law, agriculture, and family legacy in rural Canada.
