Premier Ford plans Ontario legislation banning scientific testing on 'pets' after issuing harsh warnings

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reiterated he plans to introduce legislation banning medical testing on cats and dogs, expanding on that Monday by adding it would focus on experimentation on animals he considers "pets."

Ford first mentioned banning scientific research on dogs and cats two weeks ago, when he vowed to start "hunting down" anyone doing such work after learning of a report citing canine research at London's Lawson Research Institute and St. Joseph's Health Care London.

The report by the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB) at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health revealed researchers were inducing three-hour heart attacks in dogs before euthanizing them.

On Monday, Ford was at a news conference in London to make a housing announcement when asked by CBC London about his plans to crack down on using dogs and cats in medical testing.

He said criteria around the new legislation will be short and simple.

"You aren't going to use pets — cats or dogs — to experiment any longer. Simple as that. We just don't do that. It's cruel and it's not acceptable."

"They're part of our families … Go with the mice, go with the rats, no problem — but these are pets," Ford said, adding he's an "animal lover."

CBC reached out to the premier's office to ask if there is a timeline for the new legislation and was told the office is still "looking at what the options are."

Days after the IJB report came to light, St. Joseph's said it would immediately end research involving dogs "following consultations with the province."

Ford did not answer CBC's question Monday about whether he directly ordered the testing to end, but said he "discouraged it."

"I can't believe they got away with that this long."

St. Joseph's has not responded to several CBC requests asking for clarification on why the cardiac testing ended.

The premier also reiterated he plans to hunt down any other scientists doing research on animals going forward.

"If there's anyone else out there that's doing this to animals, come clean because we're going to catch you," Ford said.

Two whistleblowers who work at St. Joseph's came forward in the IJB's report about canine testing.

The premier said he has been texting a whistleblower, who sent him photos of the animals, and has since learned they lost their job.

"That person is a champion. Unfortunately, she's lost her job and not because [St. Joseph's] knows who it is," Ford said, without elaborating further. "It's frustrating. We've got to find her a job."

It is unclear whether this is the same whistleblower who spoke with the IJB.

In an emailed statement to CBC News, an unidentified spokesperson with St. Joseph's hospital said it is not investigating who first raised concerns, but ending research involving dogs has meant that employees are being impacted.

"Although we are working to minimize the impact on staff wherever possible, the cessation of research involving dogs at Lawson Research Institute means both the work and the human resources needs are changing," the spokesperson said.