Animal advocacy group continues call for rehoming of dogs used for research at London hospital

An animal rights group is urging St. Joseph’s hospital to rehome dogs, after it was revealed the dogs were experimented on for cardiovascular research.

After public backlash against the research studies, which were described as painful and prolonged by whistleblowers, the hospital said they would “immediately cease research studies involving dogs,” in a statement to CTV News.

Yet, Animal Justice, a Canadian advocacy group that met with hospital representative in March to discuss rehoming the dogs, says the hospital has yet to commit to a rehoming plan.

“Shutting down these cruel experiments was only the first step for these dogs who have already endured so much,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice.

The organization is asking the hospital to release the dogs to The Beagle Alliance, an organization that rescues former research animals and helps rehome them.

“The only right thing for St. Joseph’s Hospital to do is to swiftly offer a clear and immediate path to rehome these animals, showing they are truly taking responsibility,” said Labchuk.

Both Animal Justice and the Beagle Alliance are asking the hospital for a timeline on the release of the dogs. According to Lori Cohen, founder and executive director of the beagle alliance, the organization is already preparing for the dogs.

“Our fosters in Ontario are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the dogs into our care. They are already purchasing toys and beds, and everything to make the transition a loving experience,” said Cohen.