Image by Cornell Frühauf from Pixabay

Our thanks to Animal Justice for this information and the option to send a quick, pre-written and modifiable letter. The groundbreaking Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM) is at risk!

Canada stands on the edge of a historic change for animals used for research: the end of toxicity testing on animals. These tests include some of the cruelest and most painful experiments imaginable.

Last year, Canada passed a groundbreaking bill to strengthen national environmental laws—made possible by relentless advocacy from Animal Justice, partner organizations, and passionate supporters like you. The law now requires a strategy to reduce and replace animal use in toxicity testing.

Health Canada has released its draft strategy on phasing out toxicity testing on animals—a key step forward for animals used in research. But there’s a huge problem. The government has failed to fund Canada’s only national centre dedicated to pioneering cruelty-free research methods, the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM). Without public funding, the centre has been forced to close its doors at the University of Windsor. It is at risk of closing permanently, halting essential progress towards science without the use of animals.

The draft strategy is open for public comment until November 13, 2024. Progress on the strategy will be reported annually to Parliament, making it an important tool ensuring Canada stays on track to end toxicity testing on animals by its 2035 goal.

Toxicity testing causes immense suffering for countless rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even dogs. These animals are subjected to unimaginable pain—exposed to chemicals that cause severe burns, organ failure, and more, without any pain relief. Each year, tens of thousands of animals endure this agony only to be killed once testing is over.

Fortunately, alternatives exist that are faster, more reliable, and often less costly than traditional animal testing. However, to replace these cruel methods, Canada needs to invest in modern science as other jurisdictions like the US, EU, Brazil, and the Netherlands have done.

Please act now to call for government support for the CCAAM, ensuring Canada’s place at the forefront of cruelty-free science.

Thank you for continuing to advocate for animals used in research. Together, we can create a future free from the horrors of animal testing.