Image by Csaba Nagy from Pixabay

We thank Animal Justice for the information below and this letter writing action alert.

The Globe and Mail just published an opinion piece by André Picard titled, “Doug Ford is barking up the wrong tree with his ban on animal research.” The article criticizes Premier Doug Ford’s recent announcement to introduce legislation banning the use of dogs and cats in research in Ontario.

This political move followed public outcry over disturbing revelations from St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario, where dogs were subjected to cruel experiments—including being forced to endure up to three hour-long heart attacks—before being killed. These experiments have since ended following an exposé by Animal Justice.

In his article, Picard repeatedly defends the use of animals in research. He argues that, because the beagles were bred for research, their suffering is acceptable—comparing them to farm animals raised for food. He goes so far as to call animal research a “necessary evil.”

This is where YOU come in….

Animal Justice is calling on advocates to write a short Letter to the Editor (50–150 words) and add their voice to the conversation.

✉️ Email your letter to: letters@globeandmail.com

📝 Subject line: Include the article title: “Doug Ford is barking up the wrong tree with his ban on animal research”

Tips for Writing:

1. Keep it short, punchy, and personal—this increases the chance of being published.

2. Focus on ONE key point (see ideas below).

3. Put it in your own words. Authentic voices stand out.

4. Make sure to include your full name, address and phone number at the end of the letter.

Here are some angles you might consider:
 

• “They were bred for research” is not an ethical justification. Breeding dogs for suffering doesn’t make it right.
   
• There are already modern, non-animal alternatives to this type of research that are being used all over the world. Continuing to rely on outdated methods is both unethical and unscientific. In fact, 95% of drugs that pass through animal models fail at the clinical human trial stage.
   
• It’s bad science. Animal experiments often fail to translate to humans and are slowing down real medical progress.
   
• Canada has no federal legislation regulating the welfare of animals used in research – leaving these animals almost completely unprotected against mistreatment.
   
• Ontario’s Animals for Research Act actually exempts animals used in licensed facilities from protection under existing Provincial Animal Protection laws.
   
• The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is not a law enforcement agency or regulatory body and has no legal authority – it is a private entity that is not subject to public scrutiny or oversight.
   
• Other countries are moving forward, investing in humane, innovative, and effective non-animal research. Canada risks being left behind.
   
• It’s a shame that Canada, unlike many other progressive countries, lacks a national centre for developing alternatives. We must do better if we want to phase out this outdated and inhumane practice.
  
  🔗 Here’s the full Globe and Mail article
  Even if your letter isn’t published, every submission counts. A strong public response tells editors and decision-makers that Canadians care about this issue and won’t be silent.
  
  Let’s make our voices heard!