The primary researcher involved in a contentious cardiac study conducted on canines is justifying the significance of his research for the first time since his laboratory in London, Ontario was closed, and the premier of Ontario threatened to outlaw dogs in research. Frank Prato granted an exclusive interview to CBC London after being cleared of all allegations of animal abuse by two separate animal ethics committees.
In August, an article by the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia disclosed that scientists from the Lawson Research Institute were surreptitiously 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 analysis. The research was shrouded in secrecy, with the animals allegedly brought into the hospital in covered crates amid loud music to muffle their barking, as reported by whistleblowers.
Following public outcry, including criticism from Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford, who pledged to crack down on scientists conducting experiments on animals, and proposed legislation to prohibit “invasive medical research” on cats and dogs, St. Joseph’s suspended Prato’s research.
Prato disputes claims that his work was conducted covertly, emphasizing that he commenced using dogs to investigate the aftermath of heart attacks in 1982 at the hospital. He argues that the dogs, fully anesthetized during the procedures, do not experience pain like humans do during heart attacks. He asserts that the dog model has shown promise in understanding diseases such as heart attacks and their recovery process, ultimately leading to saving numerous lives.
An independent review by Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) found no substantiated allegations of misconduct in Prato’s lab. The investigations, which included on-site visits, record examinations, and detailed interviews, concluded that the study did not induce heart failure, and the dogs did not experience pain during the experiments.
After surgery, the dogs were closely monitored by a clinical veterinarian multiple times daily, provided with socialization activities, appropriate bedding, toys, and nutrition. The review concluded that the research program adhered to approved Animal Use Protocols and regulatory standards, making significant global contributions to the clinical management of myocardial infarction patients.
Prato, speaking out against the cessation of such research, emphasizes the importance of advancing treatments for heart disease, affecting a significant number of patients. He explains that dogs were initially chosen for cardiac research in the 1980s due to MRI equipment limitations and their physiological similarities to human hearts compared to other animals. Prato highlights that the canine cardiovascular system closely mirrors that of humans, making them the optimal model for studying heart technology.
Despite facing setbacks in his career and personal life due to the fallout, Prato remains concerned about the implications for cardiac patients, stressing the critical role dogs play in advancing medical research for heart-related conditions.