The Dangerous Precedent of Political Interference in Medical Research in Canada

The European Animal Research Association (EARA) expresses deep concern over recent statements by Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding biomedical research involving dogs.   

While we understand the emotional response that animal research can evoke in some people, Premier Ford's threat to "hunt down" scientists conducting legally approved, ethically reviewed research represents a dangerous precedent of political interference in evidence-based decision-making in Canada. There is deep irony in the fact that Canadian politicians who have criticised political interference in science in the United States are now witnessing similar interference in their own country. Decisions about biomedical research should be guided by fact-based evaluation and evidence, not crude political grandstanding.  

Following disclosure that cardiac research involving dogs had been conducted for several years at the Lawson Research Institute, Ontario, the Institute announced the immediate termination of all animal-based studies using dogs. The institution has stated that this decision resulted from "consultations with provincial authorities".   

The Critical Role of Dogs in Medical Research  

Dogs are used in biomedical research because they have certain similarities with humans – in their genetics, anatomy and physiology – which are not present in other animals. This physiological compatibility makes dogs currently crucial for specific types of research, particularly in cardiovascular medicine, toxicology testing and drug development. In Europe, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations has documented cases where dog studies revealed severe safety and toxicity issues not detected in rat studies but later confirmed in human clinical trials – demonstrating the predictive value of dogs for human health outcomes. Such research has prevented potentially fatal side effects from reaching patients, exemplifying why regulatory agencies worldwide require studies in more complex mammals before human trials can proceed.   

Rigorous Ethical Oversight Already Exists   

In Canada, policies and guidelines recommend that animals can only be used in research when there is convincing scientific justification, when expected benefits outweigh potential risks, and when scientific objectives cannot be achieved using non-animal methods. In Canada, there is federal and provincial legislation overseeing the humane treatment of animals. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) sets national standards for the ethical use and care of animals in science and supports organisations in their openness efforts. This oversight ensures that animal welfare remains paramount while enabling vital medical advances. Political interference undermines these established, expert-driven processes which balance scientific necessity with ethical guidelines.  

The Broader Implications of Political Intervention   

Evidence for Democracy's executive director Félix Proulx-Giraldeau correctly identified the core concern with Premier Ford’s comments, “My concern is that when politicians publicly direct what kinds of research can or cannot be done, especially with language that sounds like a threat, it risks bypassing those established processes". This type of intervention makes scientific evidence appear secondary to partisan political opinion, weakening the integrity of the research enterprise. Moreover, such actions embolden activist campaigns that often misrepresent the reality of modern animal research and are usually counterproductive. These campaigns frequently ignore or sidestep the strict welfare standards and regulatory requirements that govern research facilities, as well as the medical breakthroughs that benefit both human and animal health.  

The Path Forward   

The scientific community in Canada strongly supports the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) that can complement and ultimately replace or reduce, where scientifically possible, the use of animals in research. However, despite considerable advances in NAMs, animal models remain crucial for understanding complex multi-organ biological processes involved in health and disease progression.   

It's also crucial to remember that animal research benefits both human and veterinary medicine – many treatments for companion animals, including vaccines and antiparasitic drugs that pet owners regularly use, were developed through research involving dogs. Additionally, dogs themselves suffer from many of the same conditions as humans, such as several cancers, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), several heart diseases and type 1 diabetes.   

Rather than undermining scientific processes through political pressure, governments should support increased funding for biomedical research, including NAMs development, while maintaining the regulatory frameworks that ensure that necessary animal research is conducted responsibly. Instead of strengthening activist campaigns and sending out threats to researchers, politicians should promote institutional accountability and transparency about the research conducted, ensuring that animal research practices follow the already established legislation, policies and guidelines, are ethically sound, scientifically justified, and contextualised to address societal concerns.  

The biomedical community must continue advocating for the responsible use of animals in scientific discovery and countering misinformation that could mislead the public about research necessity. Such misinformation will contribute to a decrease in overall trust in science. Ford’s attempt to transform what is evidence-based policy into a political witch hunt against scientists threatens to drive vital medical research out of Ontario - one researcher has already announced that he is closing his laboratory in the province - and must be challenged.  

For further enquiries please contact EARA Executive Director, Kirk Leech: kleech@eara.eu