St. Joseph’s Health Care London has announced a major change to its research program. In a statement released August 11th, the organization says it will stop all studies involving dogs at its Lawson Research Institute, following discussions with the Ontario government.
Media Statement from St. Joseph’s Health Care London:
“The animal research conducted at Lawson Research Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) adheres to the highest standards of, and is in compliance with, all scientific and ethics protocols. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the Western Animal Care Committee provide valued third-party oversight and ensure our commitment to ethical research at every stage of the discovery and innovation process.
The Government of Ontario is an important partner in every aspect of our work. Following consultations with the province, St. Joseph’s will immediately cease research studies involving dogs.
We acknowledge that this will have a significant impact on the ground-breaking research that has resulted in major strides in cardiac care and treatment, and on the dedicated teams involved in this work.
More details will be forthcoming. “