LONDON—Animal Justice is profoundly disappointed St. Joseph’s Hospital is hiding behind secrecy when it comes to the future of the dogs who were part of its cruel research program, only saying they have been transferred to an unnamed organization, claiming the partner must remain anonymous to “increase the willingness of people to adopt them.”
The decision appears to be less about the welfare of the dogs, and more about suppressing their story to prevent further scrutiny of the cruel experiments they endured. The fact St. Joseph’s Hospital and Western University opted to involve an organization other than the Beagle Alliance also raises serious questions. The Beagle Alliance is unique in Canada as the only organization of its kind with extensive experience in rehoming dogs from research labs. Countless members of the public had come forward to express an interest in adopting the dogs.
“After enduring so much, the dogs are still being hidden from the public eye by Western and St. Joseph’s—no doubt to protect their reputation and prevent Canadians from seeing the victims of their secret dog lab. The public deserves to know the dogs’ condition, who is caring for them, and the truth about what they experienced,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice.
“This deliberate lack of transparency shows exactly why we need stronger laws to end the worst experiments and stop cruelty from being concealed behind closed doors. There are numerous families in Ontario prepared to adopt these dogs today. The idea that secrecy is necessary to help them find homes is simply an excuse to avoid accountability.”
Animal Justice first met with St. Joseph’s in March to discuss rehoming the dogs used in the secret program after being approached by the courageous whistleblowers who exposed the cruel experiments occurring on the “secret sixth floor.”
Farm sanctuaries also remain ready to provide safe, permanent homes for the pigs who continue to endure cruel experiments at St. Joseph’s. These sanctuaries can ensure the animals spend the rest of their lives free from harm.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Camille Labchuk
Executive Director
[email protected]