Momentum for our “No Pets in Research” campaign accelerated in early 2026. With the introduction of Bill 75 and Ontario’s proposed regulatory changes, the government signaled its intention to restrict the use of dogs and cats in research. This is an important step forward, but our analysis shows that significant loopholes remain, leaving animals still vulnerable.
Over the past month, we have ramped up our targeted advocacy by meeting directly with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to highlight these concerns and recommend amendments. A key goal was to ensure that Bill 75 would be sent to committee, where it can receive detailed scrutiny and improvement – and we’re pleased to share that this goal has been met.
Our Advocacy Manager (Kira Berkeley) and Co-Founder (Liz White), met with MPPs from several parties to present our concerns—many of which were later raised in legislative debate, including:
MPP Alexa Gilmour who stated that Animal Alliance of Canada has “raised concerns about the legislation’s overreliance on yet-to-be-determined regulations,” urging the government not to move forward “in secrecy;” and
MPP Lucille Collard noted several key issues, including:
- Banning breeding in Ontario while allowing animals to be acquired from elsewhere simply shifts the problem out of province rather than solving it;
- Ongoing concerns about internal animal care committees and the potential undue influence and conflicts of interest in their oversight role; and
- The lack of funding for modern non-animal testing methods, like advanced cell-based and organ-on-chip research.
Following the debate, Bill 75 passed second reading and was referred to a legislative committee for further consideration—the outcome we were working toward at this stage. We have now submitted detailed written recommendations to the committee and hope to appear as witnesses to reinforce our concerns and proposals.
How You Can Help
As the bill continues through the process, MPPs need to keep hearing how important this issue is to their constituents. Bill 75 is an omnibus bill, meaning it bundles several different issues together. That makes it even more important to show MPPs sitting on committee that the sections about animals in research deserve careful attention.
Go the Extra Mile: Amplify this Petition
In addition to contacting your own MPP (if you live in Ontario), you can also support a new petition calling for an end to pound seizure in Ontario. We’re pleased to see this initiative, sponsored by MPP Terence Kernaghan, and we fully support its goal of securing stronger safeguards for companion animals.
To use the petition:
- Download it from MPP Kernaghan’s website.
- Print the petition and gather as many handwritten signatures as you can from Ontario residents (Ontario rules require original signatures in ink)
- Mail or deliver the petition pages back to MPP Kernaghan’s constituency office (as indicated at the bottom of the petition)
We deeply appreciate your continued support, advocacy, and vigilance. Together, we can help ensure stronger laws that truly protect dogs and cats from suffering in research.
