Ten beagles rescued from animal testing in the United States arrived in Alberta on Wednesday, thanks to a Canadian charity.
The Beagle Alliance, based in Winnipeg, is an organization that helps advocate for the release of animals used in laboratory research across North America.
Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed in testing facilities globally because of their forgiving nature, docile behavior, and ability to be easily crated.
Chief executive Lori Cohen said the charity is currently looking to place some newly rescued beagles into loving homes, while other dogs have been offered adoption.
“These dogs have never felt the sun on their muzzles or the grass under their feet,” she said. “It's a special moment to see their first steps.”
“We have crossed many borders to free these boys and they will meet new homes or new families in the future.”
Keoma Thorne, who is fostering one of the rescued beagles, said many people are surprised to learn that animal testing is still happening in Canada.
“Whenever I tell people about it, they are shocked,” Thorne said.
If that's not something you support, she says one of the best ways consumers can help is to support cruelty-free companies.
“Look at your labels, make sure you're not contributing to the problem that way, because if you claim non-toxic products then companies will start looking for other means of testing .”
In 2022, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) reported more than 10,000 dogs were used for testing in Canada.
The exact fate of the animals after testing is unknown, but of the 10,000 dogs, about 6,000 were used in educational programs such as veterinary school or animal care school.
In some cases, the unfortunate results of such tests resulted in the death of animals.
Cohen noted that Canadian facilities, both public and private, are not bound by law to release animals after scientific use, and there is no federal regulatory agency overseeing animal treatment in Canada.
“They suffer from PTSD and anxiety, but through their resilience and ability to forgive, they become the most loving companions and family members,” Cohen said.
“We intend to demonstrate to CCAC, the voluntary regulatory body that oversees animals in science in Canada, as well as facilities, that with experience, education, patience and support aid, these dogs may continue to live for many more years outside of Canada's borders than inside.”
Ten beagles rescued from animal testing in the United States arrived in Alberta on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. In June 2023, the Canadian federal government passed Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, which will phase out animal toxicity testing by 2035.
CCAC CEO Pierre Verreault welcomed the decision.
“I think this is a big step forward,” he said. “Other countries have been moving towards this goal for a few years, so we are happy to see our country moving in that direction as well.”
Under the Constitution Act of 1867, the federal government currently has no authority to legalize experiments involving animals.
Instead, the law rests with the provinces, but CCAC ethical and humanitarian certification has been a federal condition since 1968, requiring all organizations receiving funding from The federal government must prevent abuse, neglect, and cruelty of any kind during testing.
“Most provinces will have cruelty laws, similar to the federal level, but when it comes to science, it's a very different way of looking at the ethical framework around it,” Verrault said.
“The CCAC program in place ensures that organizations using animals in testing are performing to the standards we develop.”
The American research laboratory from which the beagles were recently rescued cannot be named, but the Beagles Alliance was able to safely transport them into Canada with appropriate health certificates and rabies vaccinations. as required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Anyone interested in volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating to a Beagle Alliance van should visit the charity website or call 1-204-266-1968.
