The chief researcher involved in a contentious cardiac study conducted on canines is speaking out for the first time after his laboratory in London, Ontario was closed and the province’s leader threatened to prohibit dogs in research. Frank Prato gave an exclusive interview to CBC London following the clearance of all animal abuse accusations by two independent animal ethics committees. The investigation revealed that scientists from Lawson Research Institute were inducing three-hour heart attacks in dogs and puppies clandestinely at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London before euthanizing them for further examination.
The research was shrouded in secrecy, with animals reportedly brought into the hospital in covered crates amid loud music to mask their noises. After public outcry, including criticism from Premier Doug Ford, who pledged to crack down on animal experimentation, St. Joseph’s terminated Prato’s research and proposed legislation to prohibit invasive medical studies on cats and dogs. Prato disputes claims of secrecy, stating that he began using dogs to study post-heart attack effects in 1982 at the hospital, emphasizing that the animals were fully anesthetized and did not experience pain.
An investigation by Western University’s Animal Care Committee and the Canadian Council on Animal Care found no evidence of misconduct in Prato’s lab, clearing the research program of any wrongdoing. The review concluded that the animal model was appropriate, making significant contributions to understanding heart diseases and aiding in the clinical management of heart attack patients globally. The dogs were well cared for post-surgery, receiving constant monitoring, social interaction, and proper amenities.
Prato defended the use of dogs in research, citing their physiological similarities to humans’ cardiovascular systems and the necessity for studying heart disease treatments. He highlighted the potential impact on advancing heart disease treatments and expressed dismay over the interruption of his research, emphasizing the potential life-saving benefits. Despite facing repercussions in his professional and personal life, Prato emphasized his concern for cardiac patients and expressed the dilemma of valuing one dog’s life over many patients in need.