Hospital Announces End to Inhumane Dog Research After IJB Investigation #
St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, announced it would immediately cease all research studies involving dogs following an investigation by the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) and Postmedia. The investigation exposed decades of secretive cardiac research involving induced heart attacks in dogs.
Key Highlights #
- Dogs were subjected to procedures lasting up to three hours, followed by euthanasia and removal of their hearts for study.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the research as “inhumane” and vowed to prevent such practices in other institutions.
- Whistleblowers revealed dogs were transported in covered cages to a “secret sixth floor” in the hospital.
- Staff were instructed to conceal the program by avoiding discussions, masking barking sounds, and disposing of evidence.
Statements #
“It can’t happen here in Ontario and it won’t happen. If I find any other universities or hospitals or research facilities doing that, I’m going to put an end to it immediately…We have to outlaw that in Ontario.”
— Ontario Premier Doug Ford
About the Organizations #
St. Joseph’s Hospital is a healthcare facility in London, Ontario. Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) is a non-profit newsroom at the University of Toronto.