Should Ontario Ban Invasive Medical Research on Cats and Dogs?

Official title: Proposed Legislative Amendments to the Animals for Research Act and Prospective Amendments to Regulations under the Act

Open Legislation Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
Ontario wants to ban invasive medical research on cats and dogs, with some exceptions. The province is also looking at new rules for how all animals are used in research. If passed, breeders couldn't raise cats or dogs specifically for research, and labs would have clearer rules for rehoming animals when studies end.

Why This Matters

Got a cat or dog? Many Ontarians feel strongly about how these animals are treated in labs. This proposal responds to public concern about research practices. It could also affect medical research that relies on animal testing—potentially impacting drug development timelines.

What Could Change

Invasive medical research on cats and dogs would be banned, except in specific cases set by regulation. Breeding cats or dogs for research in Ontario would be prohibited. Research facilities would face new oversight requirements and updated penalties—aligned with animal welfare laws. Labs would get clearer rules for adopting out animals after studies.

Key Issues

  • What exceptions should allow invasive medical research on cats and dogs?
  • What conditions should apply to all animal research?
  • How should animal care committees oversee and monitor research?
  • What are the anticipated costs or business impacts of these changes?

How to Participate

  1. Review the proposal details and the supporting document on regulatory proposals.
  2. Submit your feedback through the comment form on the Regulatory Registry.
  3. Alternatively, email your comments to ara.omafa@ontario.ca by the deadline.

Submit Your Input

Comment On The Animals For Research Act Proposal Draft Email
Questions Being Asked (4)
  1. What are your views on prohibiting invasive medical research on cats and dogs?
  2. What exceptions, if any, should be allowed for invasive research on cats and dogs?
  3. What conditions should apply to research involving animals?
  4. What are the anticipated costs or business impacts of the proposed changes?

Key Documents