"Thrilled response" from animal rights organization following cessation of canine testing at London, Ontario healthcare facility
In a significant turn of events, St. Joseph's Health Care London has announced the immediate halt of dog research following public backlash and investigative reports exposing cruel practices involving heart attack induction in puppies.
The hospital is now working with Western University’s Animal Care Committee and another agency to explore opportunities to rehome the dogs, who will remain in their care while plans proceed. This decision marks a shift in the hospital's animal research policies, as they previously euthanized research dogs routinely but now seek alternatives to this practice.
The head of the research lab responsible for this dog testing is no longer with St. Joseph's, and the hospital has pledged to conduct an independent third-party review of all animal research practices. Despite ceasing dog research, St. Joseph’s Health Care maintains that it remains committed to ethical animal research overall, emphasizing adherence to high standards of care, ethics, and oversight in their remaining studies.
The group's concerns were prompted by whistleblowers working inside the hospital, leading to an internal investigation. Animal Justice, an animal rights organisation, raised concerns about invasive experiments at the Lawson Research Institute, including the suffering of pigs with open wounds on their backs. The Beagle Alliance, a national charity, has offered to help relocate any remaining dogs at the facility.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed deep concern over reports of inhumane medical testing on dogs and raised these concerns with the hospital. Both Animal Justice and The Beagle Alliance are advocating for stronger legal protections for animals used in scientific research.
St. Joseph's Health Care London acknowledged that the cessation of research studies involving dogs will have a significant impact on ground-breaking research in cardiac care and treatment. However, the hospital aims to maintain medical research innovation while aligning more closely with ethical and public concerns raised by the controversy.
The focus now is on transitioning away from dog use, increasing transparency, reviewing ethical oversight, and finding rehoming solutions for animals previously involved in research. The hospital plans to conduct education sessions internally to improve understanding of animal research oversight and standards.
This represents a significant reform triggered by public and governmental pressure leading to both policy and personnel changes at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. The decision to end dog research at the Lawson Research Institute was made after planned protests, public backlash, and consultations with the provincial government.
| Aspect | Current Status | Future Plans | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Dog research | Stopped immediately as of August 2025 | No resumption; rehoming dogs being explored | | Other animal testing | Continues under claimed high ethical standards and oversight | Independent third-party review planned | | Staff changes | Head of dog research lab no longer employed | Unclear if further structural changes planned| | Transparency & education | Committed to improving staff understanding and stakeholder communication | Outreach and education sessions upcoming |
