Man connected to B.C. ostrich protest charged with assault, mischief: Police

EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Mounties in British Columbia say mischief and assault charges have been approved against a 60-year-old man connected to a protest at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., where the Canadian Food Inspection Agency culled more than 300 birds last month.

Police say that on Sept. 22, officers arrived at the farm and were made aware of an altercation at a neighbouring property.

They say the suspect was arrested at the scene and a 73-year-old woman received medical care from officers.

The RCMP say the suspect, who is from Ontario, has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon and mischief, and is scheduled to appear in court next month.

The inspection agency carried out the cull on Nov. 6 after months of legal challenges by the owners to stop the killings set off by an avian flu infection within the flock.

In early September, the agency was granted a warrant to search the property and the RCMP say they were asked to join them in an effort to “keep the peace and enforce the law.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.

The Canadian Press