Target: Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, Canada
Goal: End cruel experiments on animals in Canada and transition to humane, animal-free research methods.
The recent data revealing that over 3.9 million animals were used in Canadian experiments during 2025 paints a horrific picture of escalating animal suffering. This figure represents an alarming increase of more than 200,000 from the previous year, with disturbing spikes in the use of cats, birds, pigs, and amphibians. Most shockingly, over 104,000 animals were subjected to Category E experiments, which cause severe pain near or above the animals’ pain thresholds. This cruelty, highlighted by shocking reports of brutal practices in major labs, underscores the urgent need for accountability regarding animal welfare in research settings.
Evidence indicates that the current oversight provided by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is wholly inadequate, as it lacks law enforcement power and relies on voluntary participation from laboratories. Consequently, private labs are frequently unaccounted for, resulting in a significant lack of transparency and regulation in animal testing practices across the country. Furthermore, despite Ontario’s commendable legislation banning most invasive experiments on dogs and cats, the persistent rise in animal suffering demands a comprehensive review of all scientific practices involving sentient beings.
It is imperative that Canada adopt stringent laws to regulate animal testing, ensuring ethical treatment and humane methods of research. The transition to alternative, animal-free testing is not only possible but necessary for upholding the moral and ethical standards of society. It is time to end the reliance on outdated and inhumane practices in favor of scientific advancements that do not involve suffering.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Michel,
The recent figures revealing that 3.93 million animals were experimented on in Canada during 2025, including a shocking rise in the number subjected to severe pain, are deeply troubling. Over 104,000 animals endured Category E experiments, exacerbating the already critical issues related to animal welfare and ethical research practices. Furthermore, the troubling reports from reputable sources detailing the horrendous treatment of animals in laboratories, such as Nucro-Technics’ distressing practices involving beagles, underscore the urgent need for stronger oversight and regulation.
Canada’s reliance on the Canadian Council on Animal Care lacks the necessary enforcement power to ensure ethical treatment of animals, and with many private laboratories unaccounted for, countless animals remain at risk of cruel experimentation. While Ontario has made strides toward decriminalizing invasive procedures on cats and dogs, the overall lack of federal regulations means millions of animals continue to suffer in silence. Presently, this hands-off approach is leading Canada to lag behind in adopting humane, scientific innovations that could vastly improve the welfare of animals used in research.
It is essential to establish enforceable laws to protect animals from harsh testing and to foster a scientific community that prioritizes animal-free methodologies. We urge you to take immediate action to implement stricter regulations and promote alternative research practices that do not cause unnecessary suffering. The time has come for Canada to lead the way in ethical research and protect our animal companions from inhumane treatment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
