The chief researcher involved in a contentious cardiac experiment on canines is speaking out in defense of the significance of his study for the first time after his laboratory in London, Ontario was closed and the premier of Ontario threatened to ban the use of dogs in research.
Frank Prato conducted an exclusive interview with CBC London upon discovering that two separate animal ethics committees had exonerated him of all allegations of animal mistreatment.
An investigative report by the Investigative Journalism Bureau and Postmedia in August unveiled that researchers at Lawson Research Institute were covertly inducing three-hour heart attacks in dogs and puppies before euthanizing them and extracting their hearts for further analysis at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London. The study was kept confidential, with animals reportedly being brought into the hospital in covered crates while loud music played to mask their sounds.
Following public outcry, including criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who pledged to crack down on scientists conducting experiments on animals, St. Joseph’s suspended Prato’s research. The government also introduced legislation to prohibit invasive medical research on cats and dogs.
Prato disputes claims that his work was conducted in secrecy, highlighting that he began utilizing dogs to investigate post-heart attack consequences in 1982 at the hospital. He contends that the dogs are fully anesthetized during the procedures and do not experience pain, unlike humans. Prato asserts that the dog model has been instrumental in understanding diseases like heart attacks and their aftermath, ultimately benefiting numerous lives.
An independent review conducted by Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) in September and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) in October concluded that the accusations against Prato’s lab were unfounded. The investigations, involving site visits, record assessments, and extensive interviews with involved parties, revealed that the research did not induce heart failure and that the dogs did not endure pain during the experiments.
The ACC chair, Arthur Brown, affirmed that the research program adhered to its approved protocols and complied with all regulatory standards. The animal model was deemed appropriate, and the research had made significant global contributions to managing myocardial infarction patients.
Subsequent to the surgeries, the university review disclosed that the dogs received frequent monitoring by a clinical veterinarian, social interactions, and proper care, including bedding, toys, and nutrition.
Prato emphasized the importance of continuing such research to advance heart disease treatments, highlighting the similarities between human and canine cardiovascular systems, making dogs a suitable model for studying heart-related technologies.
Despite the repercussions on his professional and personal life, Prato remains focused on the potential impact on cardiac patients, expressing concern that prioritizing one dog’s life over millions of patients may hinder medical progress.