LONDON—Earlier this month, following revelations of secret experiments conducted on dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the hospital announced an end to its brutal research program on dogs. However, there is still no firm commitment to release the surviving animals.
The hospital has only indicated it is “exploring options” for the dogs, instead of offering a concrete plan that would show the public that St. Joseph’s is serious about taking responsibility and ensuring the dogs receive the safe, loving homes they deserve. The community deserves transparency on the plan and timeline for placing them in care.
“Shuttiing down these cruel experiments was only the first step for these dogs who have already endured so much,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice. “A clear commitment to release them to The Beagle Alliance would demonstrate that St. Joseph’s Hospital is taking responsibility and ensuring these animals finally get the safe, loving homes they have been denied. The public deserves to know the plan and timeline for making this happen.”
After being approached by the courageous whistleblowers who exposed the cruel experiments occurring on the “secret sixth floor”, Animal Justice initially met with hospital representatives in March to discuss rehoming the dogs used in the secret program. Despite having months to act, the hospital has yet to commit to a concrete plan for rehoming the animals.
“The hospital has had ample time to take action. The only right thing for St. Joseph’s Hospital to do is to swiftly offer a clear and immediate path to rehome these animals, showing they are truly taking responsibility,” Ms. Labchuk said.
With expertise in helping dogs transition from life in laboratories to safe, loving homes, Animal Justice is of the opinion that The Beagle Alliance is uniquely equipped to provide the care, socialization, and support these animals need to adjust to the lives they were denied.
“We have kindly asked St. Joseph’s for a timeline for the release of the dogs. Our fosters in Ontario are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the dogs into our care. They are already purchasing toys and beds, and everything to make the transition a loving experience. We are standing by and ready to respond immediately once the dogs are released,” said Lori Cohen, founder and executive director of The Beagle Alliance, who adds that she received a call from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who supports the efforts to have the dogs released as quickly as possible into the hands of The Beagle Alliance.
Farmed animal sanctuaries also remain available to provide safe, permanent homes for the pigs subjected to experiments at St. Joseph’s, ensuring they too can spend the rest of their lives free from harm.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
Camille Labchuk
Executive Director
[email protected]
Lori Cohen
Executive Director, The Beagle Alliance
[email protected]