News release

BC RCMP’s role in the enforcement of Canadian Food Inspection Agency Warrant to Search the Universal Ostrich Farm

September 23, 2025 - Edgewood, British Columbia
From: Nakusp RCMP

Content

Nakusp file 2025-273 and 2025-332

On September 3, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) applied for and was granted a Warrant to Search the Universal Ostrich Farm property located in Edgewood, BC. Due to the ongoing protest activity at the farm and increased tensions resulting from the various court proceedings over several months, the BC RCMP was requested to attend the farm by the CFIA to keep the peace and enforce the law while their agents conduct their lawful authority to search the property.

The enforcement operation began on Monday, September 22, 2025. As with any protest, the RCMP is an impartial party and takes a measured approach to ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the dispute and those present at the site.

The BC RCMP’s Police Liaison Team (PLT) has been attending the farm on a regular basis to establish and maintain communication lines with those individuals who are exercising their charter protected right to hold lawful, peaceful and safe demonstrations. The goal of the PLT is to work with all groups and organizers, so they can fulfill their objectives in the safest manner for everyone, and to ensure that all avenues to resolve the conflict are exhausted without the need for police enforcement actions such as making any arrests.

Today, on September 23, two individuals were arrested under Section 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act for obstructing CFIA agents from performing their duties. They have been processed and released.

The RCMP has also received complaints from businesses in the area of threats, intimidation and harassment due to the dispute. We are investigating these incidents and will take steps to ensure that those who unlawfully interfere with or threaten the safety of any person or property may be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Canada.

The RCMP would like to emphasize that the CFIA is the lead agency in this dispute. We are committed to remaining impartial and are mindful of our roles and responsibilities to the public to keep the peace and be part of the solution.

Associated links

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Contacts