‘Absolutely elated’: Animal justice group reacts after dog testing to stop at London, Ont. health care facility

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Advocates celebrate end to testing on dogs at London hospital

London hospital accused of testing on puppies for human research

Over 100 people gathered outside a London hospital to protest animal testing

St. Joe’s ends testing on dogs after backlash

Animal Justice says it is “absolutely elated’ to learn that no more dogs will suffer and die after the Lawson Research Institute at St. Joseph’s Health Care London announced it will no longer conduct research involving dogs.

The decision to end dog research follows planned protests, public backlash and consultations with the provincial government.

The move comes after Animal Justice, a Canadian animal law organization, raised concerns about invasive experiments at the facility.

The group said it was alerted by whistleblowers working inside the hospital, prompting an internal investigation.

Executive Director Camille Labchuk said the group uncovered that dogs had been subjected to prolonged heart attacks lasting up to three hours, and used in medical imaging studies on MRI machines also used by human patients.

In a statement provided to CTV News, St. Joseph’s said: “The Government of Ontario is an important partner in every aspect of our work. Following consultations with the province, St. Joseph’s will immediately cease research studies involving dogs. We acknowledge that this will have a significant impact on the ground-breaking research that has resulted in major strides in cardiac care and treatment.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford weighed in Monday via social media, saying he was “deeply disturbed” by reports of inhumane medical testing on dogs and immediately raised concerns with the hospital.

“I’m pleased that St. Joseph’s has agreed to immediately stop this research,” Ford wrote. “Our government will always act to ensure that any medical research is carried out in an ethical and humane manner.”

The Beagle Alliance, a national charity that rehomes animals formerly used in research, has offered to help relocate any remaining dogs at the facility.

“They’re just very resilient and very forgiving towards the species that’s actually harmed them,” said Lori Cohen, founder and executive director of The Beagle Alliance. “That’s why we focus on getting them into foster homes and being cared for individually.”

Although Animal Justice welcomed the end of canine experiments, the group is calling for all animal testing at St. Joseph’s, including on pigs and rodents, to be stopped.

“There are pigs who are suffering in experiments as well, who have open wounds on their backs,” said Labchuk. “There are also rodents being used in tests. I don’t think the public accepts any form of animal testing at a public hospital.”

Both Animal Justice and The Beagle Alliance are calling for stronger legal protections for animals used in scientific research. They say Canada lacks specific federal regulations to oversee animal testing in laboratories.