Premier Doug Ford Moves to End Animal Testing After Scandal at London Hospital

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for a ban on animal testing, especially on dogs and cats, after disturbing research emerged from St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Ford vowed to find those responsible and make it clear that such practices will not be tolerated under his leadership.

Controversial Research at St. Joseph’s Hospital

A report from the Investigative Journalism Bureau at the University of Toronto exposed that researchers at St. Joseph’s Lawson Research Institute in London had been subjecting beagles to cruel cardiac tests. The tests involved inducing heart attacks in dogs for up to three hours before euthanizing them for further study. This practice, kept under wraps until now, has sparked widespread outrage.

Following public outcry, St. Joseph’s Health Care announced that it would immediately cease all research involving dogs. The research had been approved by the hospital’s internal animal ethics committee, but the shocking nature of the study, involving extended heart attacks on puppies, drew severe criticism.

Ford’s Stance and the Public Outcry

Premier Ford called the situation “inhumane” and “unacceptable.” He vowed to push for laws banning the use of certain animals, especially dogs and cats, in research. Ford’s strong message to scientists was clear: “Stop before I catch you.” Animal rights activists, like Charu Chandrasekera, who has long campaigned against animal testing in Canada, praised his comments.

Ford’s push is part of a broader desire to make Ontario a leader in humane scientific research.

Moving Toward a More Humane Future for Research

Ford’s commitment to ending animal testing, especially on dogs and cats, has sparked a wider debate on the ethics of animal experimentation. Advocates like animal bioethicist Andrew Fenten and Charu Chandrasekera support stronger federal laws to ban such testing. They argue that since animals can’t consent, they deserve better care and greater consideration in research.

The Ontario government is now expected to fast-track legislation to prevent future animal suffering in medical research. Ford’s promises suggest that the province may lead the way in adopting more humane and alternative methods for medical studies that do not involve animals.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/ford-warning-scientists-medical-tests-dogs-1.7607178
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/london-ont-hospital-announces-it-will-cease-testing-on-dogs
• https://globalnews.ca/news/11331060/london-hospital-stop-using-dogs-medical-research-outcry
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/tropical-storm-erin-strengthens-could-become-first-hurricane-of-2025