Ontario Premier Doug Ford Announces Ban on Animal Testing

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a significant legislative move to ban testing on dogs and cats. The decision follows revelations about the use of these animals in research, particularly related to cardiac studies, which raised ethical concerns among animal welfare advocates and the public.

The upcoming legislation will be straightforward: no more experimentation on dogs and cats, as Ford emphasizes their integral role within families. This announcement comes in response to whistleblower reports received by Animal Justice, which highlighted troubling practices at the Lawson Research Institute affiliated with St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

According to reports from the University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau, the investigation uncovered that several dogs, primarily puppies, were subjected to testing and subsequently euthanized for the extraction of their internal organs. These findings sparked outrage and prompted discussions between the provincial government and the research institute.

In light of the whistleblower allegations, the Lawson Research Institute has decided to cease all research involving dogs. Premier Ford expressed gratitude towards the whistleblowers for their courage in coming forward, which played a crucial role in catalyzing this legislative shift.

As of now, the exact timeline for the implementation of the ban has not been disclosed, but the announcement marks a pivotal moment in Ontario’s approach to animal research ethics. The move has been welcomed by animal rights advocates, who argue that the use of companion animals in research is outdated and inhumane.

This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on August 25, 2025, highlighting a growing trend among jurisdictions to reconsider their policies concerning animal testing practices. The decision reflects a broader societal shift towards prioritizing animal welfare and ethical considerations in scientific research.

As Ontario progresses with this ban, it sets a precedent for other regions to evaluate their own practices regarding animal testing, potentially leading to widespread changes across Canada and beyond.