Disturbing Discovery at Ontario Lab
This article contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
This month, outrage erupted in response to a disturbing report of cruel animal research practices in an Ontario institute.
Whistleblowers described the treatment of dogs at the facility: dogs constantly whining, dunking their faces in water, excessively sucking their tails, and eating their own waste.
Days after the story broke, the institute released a statement that they would immediately cease research studies involving dogs.
Doug Ford said he would introduce legislation to ban testing on certain species of animals in Ontario. While this is a step in the right direction, the plight of animals suffering for the sake of research is dire, impacting dozens of species and thousands of animals in Canada every year.
Much research involving animals is reported to be relatively non-invasive. Still, in 2023, the Canadian Council on Animal Care — Canada’s only national oversight for scientific activities involving animals — reported that more than 80,000 animals were subjected to procedures which cause severe pain.
The dogs have been spared from further experiments, but it’s known that the institute also uses pigs, rats and other animals in research. In the first days of the story breaking, the institute made a statement to media that they are “regulated and guided by rigorous policies and procedures for high-quality animal care.”
Regulations may exist, but it is clear they are not strong enough to protect animals used in research from pain and fear.
Later in the month, another breaking story underscored the need for greater protections for animals used in research. A long-tailed macaque from Cambodia was discovered dead in a crate at the Montréal-Mirabel International Airport. The deceased monkey was among dozens of other monkeys that had been imported to Canada for research.
The treatment of dogs at the facility incited public outcry, and rapid progress is underway for the dogs. You can help push this important step forward by sending a letter to the Premier to show your support for immediate action.
Restricting the use of dogs and cats in research in Ontario is one step forward in a long journey to reducing the use of animals in research and finding humane alternatives. With your voice, there will be a kinder future for all animals.
Surrender Surge: Not in Ottawa
Across Canada, some humane societies and animal shelters are reporting a rise in the number of people surrendering their pets. Cost of living is cited as one of the biggest contributors to owners surrendering their pets.
The OHS has not seen the same jump — compared to last year, the number of animals surrendered to the OHS has remained steady.
To get ahead of the curve, the OHS has been working with its partners to bring pet food banks directly into the community and has offered more wellness clinics, ensuring that basic supplies and preventive veterinary care are available for pets and people in need.
Since enhancing emergency boarding for Ottawa’s pets, the OHS has supported 50 pets with temporary foster placements while their families navigate crisis.
While the number of pets surrendered is steady, the OHS’s goal is to see it decline. The OHS is exploring more ways to keep pets with the families who love them.
There is nothing wrong with compassionately surrendering a pet. Sometimes it is not possible for a person to keep their pet, and thoughtfully giving them a second chance is in the best interest of both the pet and the owner. Surrendering a pet can be heartbreaking. The OHS is available for all with no judgement.
Thanks to supporters like you, Ottawa has not seen the same surge of surrendered pets happening in other communities. Whether volunteering, adopting or donating, your support makes essential services possible for Ottawa’s animals and their people.
Rabbit Month: A Hopping Success
The OHS recently wrapped up its fourth annual Rabbit Month after finding forever homes for 27 rabbits.
Rabbits are often the pets that wait the longest for a forever home, the extra promotion makes a significant impact in finding families for Ottawa’s homeless rabbits.
Since 2021, the OHS has had a large number of rabbits available for adoption. This may be owed to breeders and online sellers providing unsterilized rabbits to unsuspecting pet owners.
Rabbits are excellent pets. Adopting from the OHS, fostering homeless rabbits in need, and letting other people know that the OHS is the best place to find a new pet rabbit are ways that you can help more rabbits find a home throughout the year.
Animals Are Not for Entertainment
This year, during the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede, a horse named Rider suffered a leg injury and was euthanized. This brought the cumulative total of the Calgary Stampede to 110 known deaths since 1986, with 79 linked to chuckwagon racing.
Replacing dangerous events with animal-free alternatives and strengthening legal protections for animals used in entertainment are two steps to prevent these tragedies.
Ottawa faces its own struggles with animals in entertainment. Bull riding events bring a cruel spectacle back to the city each year. You can help stand against the exploitative sport - write to the mayor urging a ban on stadium bull riding.
