The chief researcher involved in a contentious heart study conducted on canines has come forward to defend the significance of his research, marking his first public statement since his laboratory in London, Ontario was closed down and the province’s leader threatened to outlaw dogs in scientific experiments.
Frank Prato, in an exclusive interview with CBC London, addressed the recent clearance of all animal mistreatment claims by two separate animal ethics committees. The investigation was prompted by an article jointly published by the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia in August, which disclosed that scientists at Lawson Research Institute were conducting experiments on dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London. The study involved inducing three-hour-long heart attacks in dogs and puppies, followed by euthanizing them and analyzing their hearts.
The research was allegedly conducted covertly, with animals being brought into the hospital in covered crates amid loud music to muffle their sounds. Subsequently, St. Joseph’s ceased Prato’s research due to public outrage, including strong criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who threatened to crack down on scientists engaged in animal testing and introduced legislation to restrict invasive medical research on cats and dogs.
Prato countered the claims of secrecy, asserting that he initiated dog studies in 1982 at the hospital to investigate post-heart attack effects. He emphasized that the dogs were fully anesthetized during the procedures and did not experience pain, unlike humans. According to Prato, the dog model showed promise in enhancing the understanding of heart diseases and aiding in recovery, ultimately contributing significantly to saving lives.
An independent assessment by Western University’s Animal Care Committee and the Canadian Council on Animal Care later exonerated Prato’s lab, affirming that the research complied with approved protocols and regulatory standards. The investigations revealed that the study did not induce heart failure, and the dogs were pain-free throughout the process.
The dogs underwent rigorous post-operative care, with constant monitoring by a clinical veterinarian and regular interaction with animal care staff. The review also highlighted the provision of adequate living conditions, including bedding, toys, and proper nutrition for the animals.
Prato stressed the importance of continuing such research initiatives to advance heart disease treatments, expressing dismay over the potential setback caused by the controversy. He explained that dogs were chosen for cardiac studies in the 1980s due to technological limitations, as their cardiovascular systems closely resemble those of humans compared to other animals. Prato emphasized the crucial role of dogs in studying heart disease mechanisms, citing their unique coronary artery architecture.
Despite facing professional and personal repercussions, Prato remains focused on the potential impact on cardiac patients, underscoring the critical nature of the research in improving medical outcomes.