Thank you for informing us about the role of Quebec in the supply of dogs for research. I will be following up to find the source of these dogs. People need to wake up and hold the research industry accountable to the public.

One company that supplies research animals is Covance. You can check out their research products page:

http://www.crpinc.com/company.asp

Here is a letter I sent to the Editor of the Calgary Herald:

In regard to your story, "Dogs flown to France," May 29th, I want to thank Max Harrold for publicizing the plight of animals used for research. All too often animals are used for frivolous research studies. For example, dogs have been force fed by cannulation (tube inserted down their throat) among other things, massive doses of sugralose and printer ink. They have also been used to study pet food and sexual stimulants. The most common dog "purpose bred" for research is the Beagle, but also homeless dogs are supplied by local pounds. The research community has created a billion dollar industry which includes breeding facilities, steel cage systems, animal restraining devices and gas chambers for killing. Research supply companies have created "toxicologically relevant species" and clients can take advantage of various surgical modifications which can be performed prior to shipment on all of their "models." In addition, behavioral enhancement protocols, such as treadmill training or acclimation to custom study requirements, are also offered. The supply companies can also install vascular access ports prior to shipping an animal.

People should not expect the research industry to self regulate themselves, there is too much money at stake for that to happen. People need to act as advocates for these "research tools." I would encourage Mr. Harrold to follow up on the fate of our dogs, and let Canadians know to what end they sacrificed their lives.

Kind Regards,

Keryn Denroche