Two Ontario Hospitals Imported Research Dogs from Problematic U.S. Breeder

The University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, which claims it no longer uses dogs for research, and the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario, which recently ended its dog testing program, have previously acquired dogs from Marshall.

Marshall BioResources, an industrial-scale breeding facility in upstate New York, has faced federal scrutiny due to injuries and sores on animals, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of proper care. Between 2021 and 2024, inspectors recorded 11 violations involving various dogs and cats at the facility.

This information emerges amid ongoing discussions among scientists and lawmakers regarding the necessity of using dogs in research. A UHN study from July 2025 noted that sexually mature male beagle dogs were purchased from Marshall for a cancer research project conducted in 2019. Brad Wouters, UHN’s executive vice-president of science and research, stated that the hospital ceased all dog research in 2020 and stressed that the study adhered to institutional guidelines at the time.

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), which oversees animal research standards, mandates that animals should come from reputable suppliers known for humane practices. UHN has moved away from dog research due to advancements in alternative research techniques.

Lawson Health Research Institute has a history of using dogs in research for decades, including sourcing some from Marshall. The institute concluded its dog testing program in the summer of 2022 after scrutiny over procedures that caused harm to animals. Despite meeting regulatory standards, a review identified issues around public communication and governance. St. Joseph’s Health Care, which oversees Lawson, issued a statement about developing an action plan to address these findings.

The last procurement of dogs from Marshall occurred in 2022, approved by Western University’s Animal Care Committee. Meanwhile, inspections have revealed ongoing concerns, such as unaddressed injuries in dogs and unsanitary conditions. A spokesperson from Marshall defended the facility, stating that they comply with standards and quickly address any feedback from inspectors.

With over 17,800 dogs having entered Canada from the U.S. for research between 2019 and 2025, ongoing deliberations about the use of animals in scientific research continue, with calls for reform. Legislative proposals in Ontario aim to prohibit invasive research on dogs and cats and halt the importation of animals from problematic suppliers. Similar legislation is being considered in Michigan.

Debate about the ethics of animal use in research remains divided, with some advocating for a gradual reduction in animal testing. Experts emphasize the importance of ensuring that research practices meet Canadian ethical standards, raising concerns about the implications of sourcing animals from facilities that may not meet those standards.