Helicopters Flying Over British Columbia Ostrich Farm Are Unrelated To Cull, Says Rcmp

Swift News

Police say helicopters buzzing over a British Columbia ostrich farm facing the cull of its flock over an avian flu outbreak are unrelated to the "ongoing situation" at the farm.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said police are aware of the flyovers, which the spokesperson for Universal Ostrich Farms described as "psychological warfare" as the farm waits for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to begin the cull.

A video posted on social media by the farm in Edgewood, B.C, this week appears to show a helicopter swoop low over the property at night.

But Clark said police determined that low-flying helicopters seen near the farm are from a Penticton, B.C., flight school conducting night training in the use of a spotlight.

The farm has been calling on supporters to gather at the property this weekend ahead of the CFIA-ordered cull of about 400 ostriches, although the agency has said it will not release details or timing of any operation.