This is Just the Beginning
This is Just the Beginning
This article contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
This month, outrage erupted across our caring community in response to a disturbing report of cruel animal research practices in an Ontario institute.
Whistleblowers described the treatment of dogs at the facility, and the scene was bleak: 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.
While the dogs have been spared from further experiments, it’s known that the institute also uses pigs, rats and other animals in research.
Doug Ford said he would introduce legislation to ban testing on certain species of animals in Ontario. This is a step in the right direction, but 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 noninvasive. 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 severe pain, fear and distress experienced by close to 1,000 Guinea pigs, more than 1,000 pigs, 10 monkeys, among tens of thousands of other animals, matters.
We can no longer be quiet.
The treatment of dogs at the facility incited public outcry, and we’re witnessing rapid progress for the dogs. We must go even further to protect all animals from painful, distressing research practices.
This story shows what can be accomplished when people who care about animals raise their voices together. The OHS supports the end of animal research, testing and teaching that inflicts pain, fear or distress to animals and we support active pursuit of humane alternatives to animal testing. Stand with us. Send our letter to Doug Ford to take action for the animals and to show your support for a more humane future for all.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO