The head researcher involved in a contentious study conducted on canines is speaking out to defend the significance of his research following the closure of his lab in London, Ont., and threats from Ontario’s premier to prohibit dogs in research. Frank Prato, in an exclusive interview with CBC London, revealed that two animal ethics committees had cleared him of all allegations of animal abuse.
In August, an article by the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia exposed that scientists at Lawson Research Institute were covertly inducing three-hour heart attacks in dogs and puppies at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London. The animals were later euthanized, and their hearts were extracted for further analysis. The study was kept confidential, with animals reportedly brought into the hospital in covered crates to muffle their sounds, as per whistleblowers.
After public backlash, including criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who pledged to crack down on scientists conducting experiments on animals, St. Joseph’s suspended Prato’s research. The government also proposed legislation to prohibit “invasive medical research” on cats and dogs.
Prato disputes the secrecy surrounding his work, asserting that he began utilizing dogs to explore post-heart attack effects in 1982 at the hospital. He argues that the dogs were fully anesthetized and did not experience pain during the procedures, unlike humans. According to Prato, the dog model was instrumental in understanding heart-related diseases and aiding in recovery processes, ultimately saving lives.
An independent review by Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) in September and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) in October concluded that the allegations against Prato’s lab were unfounded. The investigations included site visits, record examinations, and interviews with involved personnel, confirming that the research did not induce heart failure and that the dogs were not in pain during the study.
The review emphasized that the research program adhered to approved protocols and regulatory standards, making significant contributions to the global clinical management of myocardial infarction patients. The dogs received attentive post-surgery care, including regular monitoring, social interaction, and proper amenities.
Prato’s decision to speak out stems from his belief that halting such research will hinder progress in treating and curing heart disease, impacting the millions of patients afflicted with heart conditions. He highlighted the historical use of dogs in cardiac research due to their physiological similarities to humans, particularly in cardiovascular systems. Prato lamented the repercussions on his career and personal life, underscoring his primary concern for cardiac patients amid the ongoing debate over animal research ethics.
