Ontario has introduced a new animal research law aimed at improving animal welfare standards. While the law represents a step forward, critics highlight significant loopholes that may undermine its effectiveness in protecting animals used in research.
Key Highlights #
- New law introduces restrictions on certain types of animal research.
- Loopholes allow exceptions for specific cases, reducing the law’s overall impact.
- Animal welfare advocates express concerns over the law’s limited scope.
About the Organizations #
Brief Glance is a platform providing analysis and updates on legislative and policy developments.
Evaluation from Animal Alliance (via email) #
After years of advocacy from Animal Alliance of Canada and countless supporters across the province, Ontario has released the final regulations implementing Bill 75, the amendments to the Animals for Research Act. The new rules will come into force on January 1, 2027.
What the Regulations Achieve #
The new regulations establish the framework for implementing Bill 75. Among other things, they require research proposals involving dogs and cats to be reviewed by institutional Animal Care Committees, require researchers to consider alternatives to animal use, and introduce planning for the potential rehoming of dogs and cats following research where appropriate.
Where the Regulations Fall Short #
Throughout the public consultation process, Animal Alliance urged the Ontario government to strengthen the proposed regulations. While some improvements were made, several important issues remain unresolved.
Most notably, the regulations:
- do not require dogs and cats to be rehomed after research where it is safe and appropriate;
- do not close Ontario’s long-standing pound-to-research pipeline.
- continue to rely on institutional Animal Care Committees rather than independent oversight; and
- permit the use of “animals of a lower order” instead of prioritizing modern, non-animal alternatives.
The Pound-to-Research Pipeline #
For more than three decades, Animal Alliance has worked to end Ontario’s pound-to-research pipeline.
Although many Ontarians are unaware of it, Ontario’s legislative framework continues to permit dogs and cats to be acquired from municipal pounds for research facilities. We believe the release of these regulations presented an important opportunity to end this practice. Unfortunately, that opportunity was not taken. Closing the pound-to-research pipeline remains one of Animal Alliance’s priorities, and we will continue advocating to end this practice.
Learn More #
Ontario’s New Animal Research Law: Progress Tempered by Critical Loopholes