Toronto: May 15, 2018: A big thank you to the Green Party of Ontario for including the policy to “Ban the use of lost or abandoned pets in research” in their newly released election platform (https://gpo.ca/vision/planet/#1521516563146-a23aa1de-acc3).
“The Green Party is the first political party to advocate a ban on the use of pet dogs and cats in research in its platform,” said Ainslie Willock, Campaign Manager, No Pets In Research. “We thank Mike Schreiner for taking a position on this issue and we call upon the Liberals, NDP and Progressive Conservatives to commit to the same position.”
“Under the Animals for Research Act, lost pets have only three ways to get out of the pound,” Willock continued. “The Act allows for pets to be returned home if found within the minimum 72 hour holding period; sold as pets; or sold to the operator of a registered research facility in Ontario who has requested the operator of the pound to sell the dogs or cats.”
“In addition, the government has broadened the interpretation of the Act to include humane societies and rescue groups as sources of pets for research,” said Willock. “Even more troubling, the government allows unknown entities to pick up animals for research in communities without stray animal by-laws.”
“Ontarians would be shocked to know that over 25,000 pet dogs and cats went to research in Ontario over a five year period, from 2012 to 2016”, said Liz White, Director, Animal Alliance of Canada. “Once pet animals have disappeared into the opaque world of animal research, it is almost impossible for families to find out what happened to their beloved companions.”
“We are making this an election issue,” White continued. “In our 30 second TV spot which you can preview on our website and will start airing on the 23rd of May, we ask Ontarians to ask their candidates to protect their pets from researchers. The Animals for Research Act protects the researchers, not the pets or their families. The Ontario government needs to amend the Animals for Research Act to end this egregious and outdated practice.”
“The Green Party has taken a stand for our pets,” Willock said. “Now it is time for the other parties to do the same.”
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Visit: NoPetsInResearch.ca
Contact: Ainslie Willock: 416-462-9541(W) / ainslie@nopetsinresearch.ca
Liz White: 416-462-9541 ext: 23(W) / liz@animalalliance.ca
