VIVISECTION AU CANADA

[Animal 0]

To view photos go to www.lifeforcefoundation.org on Jan. 11th

January 10, 2006

News Release

Re: Politicians Must Help Stop the Increase of Animals Suffering in Research
Laboratories

A Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) report of the numbers of animals used
in research, teaching and testing has revealed an increased of 16% from 2002 to
nearly two and a half millions animals in Canada in 2003.

"The horrors of vivisection continues behind closed doors." stated Peter
Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "Governments' promises for "Replacement, Reduction
and Refinement" have been broken. More animals are suffering in inhumane,
scientifically fallacious experiments and more health care funds are being
wasted."

Researchers create "animal models" by attempting to mimic naturally occurring
human health problems in formerly healthy animals. However, they are not
studying the actual human maladies and animals react differently to the drugs
and methodologies tested. There are major biological and anatomical differences
between and within all species.

The animal experiments are only part of the research system. They are conducted
before, during and after human clinical and invitro (nonanimal) studies. For
example, Depro-Provera, now being used as a birth control method, caused cancer
in animals and increased risk of breast cancer in people but is still marketed.
Further, saccharin caused cancer in animals but only a warning was put on the
packaged product. Drug side effects cannot be determined in animal models so are
listed in a long list of warnings when marketed. When drugs fail the animal
tests companies say that you can't rely on animal tests.

So why do these questionable practices continue? Methodologies are available
that are more effective and do not involve animals. (See Better Living on our
web site). The multi-billion dollar animal research industry includes businesses
from cage and restraint manufacturers to animal dealers. A decrease in animal
use means a decrease in profits.

The Peer Review System and the pro-vivisection organizations such as the CCAC
protect the vivisectors not the animals. The CCAC inspections are confidential
(many facilities are only given conditional approvals and two are on "probation"
- April 2004 to March 2005) and there are no bans on even the cruellest
practices (categories D and E). Lifeforce is the only organization in Canada
that has succeeded in laying cruelty to animal charges against researchers. Our
1984 case exposed the practice of restraining baboons for four months in
experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

In addition to many other species, in 2003 there were 9501 dogs (4693 were
"Random Source") and 3530 cats (2833 were "Random Source") used. Dogs and cats
are still obtained from "Random Sources" such as pounds - they were formerly
people's companions. Dogs are popular "animal models" for heart, spinal cord and
emphysema experiments. Cats are frequently used for brain/vision studies, spinal
cord experiments and drug tests.

In 2003, institutions providing the information confessed that 1306 dogs and 496
cats were subjected to "moderate to severe distress or discomfort" (Category D).
The use of anesthic/analgesia for invasive procedures can be withheld for
"strong, scientifically-based justification is provided...".

In 2003, 58% of the animals were subjected to "fundamental studies" - basic
science that is curiosity studies with no direct benefit to humans. That's why
whenever "breakthroughs" are reported researchers add that further studies are
needed.

BACKGROUND - Examples of Animal Experiments in Canada
Dog Experiments by UBC Researcher
Researchers at various labs, including the McDonald Research Laboratory,
University of British Columbia, write that they have developed A CANINE MODEL
FOR EMPHYSEMA. Over the years Lifeforce has investigated similar experiments at
UBC and St. Paul's Hospital. Some of the research was funded by tobacco
companies and subjected animals to cigarette smoke.
This model produces extreme emphysema only closely resembling that encountered
in humans (but not the same as). They said that the animals could be maintained
indefinitely. So the dogs would be confined in a research laboratory cage. They
claimed that this dog model will be of value in developing imaging techniques
capable of safely evaluating the effect of treatment on emphysema in patients.
However, non-invasive imaging techniques can be used to determine treatments for
people with the actual health problem.


In experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation the
arteries of dogs are restricted to induce heart attacks/strokes.


Kittens are intentionally crippled in spinal cord experiments
that have been funded by Rick Hansen Foundation and others.


For further information:
Lifeforce Foundation
Box 3117
Vancouver, BC
V6B 3X6
604-669-4673
lifeforcesociety@...
www.lifeforcefoundation.org