OHS Position Statement: Research on Companion Animals at the OHS
As a safe haven for stray or homeless companion animals, the OHS is committed to treating animals in its care with dignity and respect.
The OHS believes that the majority of these animals have the potential to become loving companions and makes every effort to ensure they find appropriate homes.
The OHS does not sell or transfer companion animals in its care, whether alive or dead, for research purposes, practicing medical procedures or harvesting organs or tissues.
The OHS believes that experimental treatment, such as drug trials, involving companion animals in its care presents a potential conflict of interest with its Mission, unless it is deemed medically necessary by trained veterinary professionals and in the best interests of the animals that would be subjected to the treatment.
The OHS does not support or permit unnecessary procedures on companion animals in its care, even those which do not inflict harm, including the procurement of blood for transfusions.
Approved by the OHS board of Directors May 2006
