Final dogs used in research testing leave St. Joseph’s Health Care

St. Joseph's Health Care London has confirmed that the final two dogs that were used in controversial lab tests have left their facility.

The head of St. Joseph’s Health Care says the last two dogs used in research testing at the hospital have now left the facility.

The hospital issued a statement attributed to president and CEO Roy Butler, indicating the remaining two dogs began their transition to family homes on Tuesday.

The research program at Lawson Research Institute ended last August, after which the dogs were transferred to Western University’s animal care committee. Six of the dogs were rehomed in September.

There was widespread public backlash after the nature of the experiments was reported last summer, including condemnation from the premier, who promised legislation to ban medical testing on animals such as dogs and cats.