Advocating for Ethical Science

Ending Ontario’s Use of Dogs and Cats in Research

Between 2018 and 2022, more than 22,000 dogs and cats were used in research in Ontario, Canada. The province is at a pivotal moment for change. Take action today.

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Advocating for the End of Animal Research in Canada Since 1990.

We must end the use of dogs and cats in unethical research, testing, and education. This amendment is a critical first step toward ending the use of all animals in research and advancing human-relevant science across Canada.

Key Facts About Animal Research in Canada

More than three million animals are used annually in Canadian laboratories
The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) oversees animal use guidelines, but participation is voluntary
Ontario is the only province in Canada with its own legislation specifically governing the use of animals in research, through the Animals for Research Act which was established in 1971

Supporting Human-Relevant Science

We know that research can advance without relying on animals. Proven, innovative methods already exist but the government needs to take action by:

Funding innovation: Invest in validated non-animal methods like organ-on-a-chip, 3D cell cultures, and AI-driven models
Modernizing regulations: Align Canadian laws with global leaders prioritizing human-relevant science
Collaboration: Strengthen ties between scientists, policymakers, and the public to speed the shift to humane research

3,706,907

Total Number of Animals
Used in Science in Canada
in 2024

49,357

Dogs and Cats Used
in Science in Canada
in the Last 3 Years

205

# of CCAC Certified Institutions that Report Animals Used

Unknown

# of Research Facilities in Canada Conducting Animal Testing but Don’t Report

Animal Alliance Advisory Group on Humane Science

Our Advisory Group Members are a team of scientists, researchers, animal welfare professionals, academics, and legal experts dedicated to advancing humane, human-relevant science in Canada. They advise on campaigns to ensure that laws, policies, and research practices move away from animal use toward innovative, ethical alternatives.

Meet the Advisory Group

Dr. Andrew Fenton, PhD

Professor, Department of Philosophy; and Law, Justice and Society Program, Dalhousie University

Prof. Vaughan Black (Retired)

Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University

Dr. Zahra Kassam, MBBS MSc FRCPC DipABLM

Staff Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, Southlake Regional Health Centre; and Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto

Dr. Olivier Berreville, PhD

Biologist; Scientific Advisor, Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Farmed Animals; Canadian National Contact for the International Network for Humane Education

Dr. Aysha Akhtar, M.D., M.P.H

Neurologist; and Co-Founder, CEO, President of the Center for Contemporary Sciences

L. Syd M Johnson, PhD, HEC-C

Center for Bioethics & Humanities, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Dr. Irina Ghenea, MD, CFPC

Physician, Family Medicine, Nova Scotia

Dr. Robert C. Jones, PhD

Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Prof. Andrew Knight, BSc, BVMS, MANZCVS, DipWCAWBM, DACAW, PhD, MRCVS, SFHEA

Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Environmental and Life Sciences, Murdoch University; and School of Environment and Science, Griffith University