Edgewood residents sue RCMP and CFIA, claiming repeated trespass and property damage during ostrich farm investigation.
Edgewood Residents Take Legal Action Over Property Trespass
Three neighbours of Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., have launched a lawsuit against the RCMP and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), alleging repeated trespass and property damage.
The civil claim, filed on February 10, 2026, names Alyson Turnbull, Trevor Klug, and Margaret Greba as plaintiffs. Their property at 224 Langille Rd. sits adjacent to the ostrich farm, where hundreds of birds were culled in November 2025 following an avian flu outbreak.
Warrant in Question
The residents claim that both federal agencies entered their land under a warrant that “was not based upon any disclosed fact” and continued their presence “without legal right.” They stress that they had no involvement with the ostrich farm’s operations or the alleged violations that prompted the warrant, including failure to notify a veterinary officer and obstructing inspectors.
According to the claim, the RCMP and CFIA allegedly trespassed “on numerous occasions” from September 22 to November 2025. The plaintiffs describe the agencies’ actions as “high handed, capricious, and arbitrary,” despite repeated notices that they were on private property.
Alleged Property Damage and Distress
The claim details how the CFIA reportedly built hay-bale enclosures, sometimes referred to as “kill pens,” on the Edgewood property without permission and transported “contaminated hay” across it. The residents say their attempts to enforce property rights were met with mockery, causing significant mental distress and property damage.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction against both the RCMP and CFIA, along with damages and other remedies deemed appropriate by the court.
RCMP and CFIA Respond
In a statement to CBC News, the B.C. RCMP acknowledged awareness of the civil claim but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. “Once served, the Department of Justice will review the claim and a statement of defence for the RCMP will be issued through the appropriate court process,” the statement read.
The CFIA also confirmed receipt of the claim, stating it will respond “in accordance with the timelines established by the British Columbia Supreme Court.”
A Broader Spotlight
This legal dispute follows widespread attention on the Universal Ostrich Farm case, which drew national and even international attention after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the farm’s appeal. For detailed coverage of the farm’s ordeal, CBC News has documented the events as they unfolded.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
