Animal welfare group defends dog testing in London, Ont.

Western University's animal committee and the Canadian Council on Animal Care reviewed a Lawson Research Institute study involving dogs and reported it met care standards; the program was halted last August and the animals were later euthanized.

Western University's animal care committee chair said a review found that a dog study at Lawson Research Institute met standards of care. The program was halted last August after media reporting. The lead researcher confirmed the animals used in the study were later euthanized. What officials reported: - Western University's Animal Care Committee and the Canadian Council on Animal Care reviewed the Lawson Research Institute study and concluded it met accepted standards of care. - The research involved testing on dogs to study heart attacks and was shut down after details were published last August. - The lead researcher said the dogs were later euthanized; the ACC report noted veterinary involvement and postoperative monitoring. - A bioethicist questioned whether the animal model matched typical human patients, and public protests and political criticism followed the reporting. Summary: Reviews by animal-care bodies found the program met care standards, but ethical questions and public concern persist. Undetermined at this time.