London, Ont. — An unmarked white van arrived at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where security personnel were present. Staff members in scrubs quickly unloaded large boxes covered with blankets from the van. Inside those boxes were puppies in cages, destined for the hospital’s sixth-floor research lab, according to two employees.

The puppies, some as young as 10 months and others up to two years old, are reportedly used in experiments related to heart attack recovery. Researchers at the Lawson Research Institute induce heart attacks in these dogs, lasting up to three hours, before euthanizing them to extract their hearts, as revealed by internal documents and photographs. This process has remained largely hidden from the public and patients, despite being publicly funded and approved by relevant authorities.

The hospital maintains that the dogs are treated ethically and that their research contributes to medical advancements that benefit society. However, some experts have criticized the use of dogs in such experiments as unnecessary and unethical. The two whistleblowers described their experiences as deeply troubling.

Under strict confidentiality agreements, staff members bring the puppies into the hospital. One whistleblower noted that they play loud music to mask the sound of barking. "We turn the radio on as loud as we can when we’re in there," the staffer said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. They also conceal animal food bags in other trash to avoid detection.

Videos obtained show security guards surrounding the van as staff wheel in the covered boxes. "We have to call security to come and guard the entrance," one staff member stated. The dogs are transported to the sixth floor via elevator, where their hearts are analyzed using MRI and PET scanning machines typically used for human patients.

Images from inside the facility depict dogs in cages without beds. In one video, a dog appears motionless after a procedure, whimpering softly. "They’re scared, they’re alone for 23 hours every day," one staff member remarked. "It feels like this shouldn’t be happening."

The hospital issued a statement asserting that the animals are treated with compassion and respect, emphasizing their welfare as a priority. They claim the dogs have access to 24/7 veterinary care, outdoor runs, socialization, and psychological well-being, and that they are provided with indoor beds.

However, the study protocol outlines potential adverse effects on the animals, including stroke, respiratory distress, and signs of distress such as not eating or drinking. Following the experiments, the puppies are euthanized for further study, according to internal documents.

The use of dogs in scientific testing is not uncommon in Canada, with thousands subjected to such procedures annually. Reports indicate that dog testing has doubled from 2020 to 2023, reaching approximately 16,000 dogs.