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 throughout North America.
Beagles are the most commonly used dog breed in testing facilities around the world due to their forgiving nature, docile demeanor, and ability to easily fit into a cage.
Executive director Lori Cohen says the charity is now looking to place some of the recently rescued beagles in loving homes, while others are already on behalf of others.
“These dogs have never felt the sun on their snouts or grass under their paws,” he said. “It’s a special moment to see his first steps.”
“We have crossed many borders to bring these little ones to freedom, and in the future they will find their new homes or new families.”
Keoma Thorne, who is fostering one of the rescued beagles, says many people are surprised to learn that animal testing still takes place in Canada.
“Every time I talk to people about this, they’re surprised,” Thorne said.
If it’s not something you support, she says one of the best ways consumers can help is by supporting cruelty-free companies.
“Look at your labels, make sure you’re not contributing to the problem in that way, because if you mandate cruelty-free products, companies will start looking for other means of testing.”
In 2022, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) reported that more than 10,000 dogs were used in trials 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 or animal care schools.
In some cases, the unfortunate result of these tests results in the animals being euthanized.
Cohen notes that Canadian facilities, both public and private, are not required by law to release animals after scientific use, and there is no federal governing body that oversees the treatment of animals in Canada.
“They suffer from PTSD and anxiety, but because of their resilience and ability to forgive, they become the most loving companions and family members,” Cohen said.
“We intend to demonstrate to the CCAC, the voluntary regulatory body that oversees animals in science in Canada, as well as to the facilities themselves, that with experience, education, patience and support, these dogs can live many more years outside of the cage than inside.”
Ten beagles rescued from animal testing in the United States arrived in Alberta on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. In June 2023, Canada’s 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 executive director Pierre Verreault applauds the decision.
“I think this is a big step forward,” he said. “Other countries have been moving forward on this for a few years, so we’re glad to see our country moving in the same direction.”
Under the Constitution Act of 1867, the federal government currently has no power to legislate animal experiments.
Instead, the legislation falls to the provinces, but ethical and humane CCAC certification has been a federal condition since 1968, requiring all institutions that receive funds from federal grant programs to prevent abuse, neglect and cruelty of any kind. type during testing.
“Most provinces will have anti-cruelty laws, the same at 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 that exists ensures that organizations that use animals in testing do so in accordance with the standards we develop.”
The name of the American research laboratory from which the beagles were recently rescued cannot be named, but The Beagles Alliance was able to safely transport them to Canada with the proper rabies vaccination and health certificates required by the Canadian Animal Inspection Agency. Food.
Anyone interested in volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating to The Beagle Alliance visits the charity van. website or call 1-204-266-1968.