The chief researcher involved in a contentious heart study conducted on canines is justifying the significance of his research for the first time since his laboratory in London, Ont. was closed down and Ontario’s leader threatened to prohibit dogs in experiments. Frank Prato granted an exclusive interview to CBC London subsequent to discovering that two separate animal ethics panels had absolved him of all accusations of animal mistreatment.
In August, an expose by the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia disclosed that researchers 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 then euthanized, and their hearts were extracted for further examination. The study was shrouded in secrecy, with the animals reportedly being brought into the hospital in covered crates to muffle their barking, as per whistleblowers.
Following public outrage, including criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, St. Joseph’s terminated Prato’s research. Premier Ford had vowed to crack down on scientists conducting experiments on animals and proposed legislation to ban “invasive medical research” on cats and dogs.
Prato disputes claims that his work was conducted clandestinely, emphasizing that he initiated dog research to study post-heart attack effects in 1982 at the hospital. He asserts that the whistleblowers misunderstood animal behavior, particularly post-surgery. He clarified that the dogs were fully anesthetized, unlike humans who experience pain during heart attacks.
An independent review by Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) in September and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) in October found that the allegations against Prato’s lab were unfounded. Both investigations, involving site visits, record evaluations, and detailed interviews, concluded that the study did not induce heart failure, and the dogs did not experience pain during the procedure.
The university review revealed that the dogs received attentive care post-surgery, with regular monitoring by a clinical veterinarian and interactions with animal care staff. The dogs were provided with appropriate bedding, toys, and nutrition, ensuring their well-being.
Prato highlighted that dogs were chosen for cardiac research in the 1980s due to MRI equipment limitations. He explained that dogs closely resemble human hearts compared to other animals, making them ideal for studying heart disease. The cardiovascular systems of humans and dogs are similar, with heart attacks developing over a similar timeframe, allowing for effective research using canines.
Despite facing setbacks in his career and personal life due to the fallout, Prato expressed concerns about the impact of halting this research on cardiac patients. He acknowledged the emotional value of dogs in society but emphasized the critical role of research in advancing treatments for heart disease.
