Lucky 191

I was watching the news last night which is usually just background while I make dinner but the mention of an emaciated dog caught my attention. A Beagle was found under a tree in Aurora, chemically branded with the number 191 on both sides, blind in one eye and with large head wounds. He has been named Lucky 191 because he is very lucky to be alive.

The authorities are looking into this “un”lucky boys past, speculating that he may have been used in fox hunting, used in fighting rings or abused in a home. I am relieved they are investigating these options but what about the option that he may have been used in research facilities here in Ontario? Beagles are usually the breed of choice in food testing laboratories. I contacted CTV and The Sun bringing this to their attention to no avail. This doesn’t surprise me, major corporations bring in big advertising dollars for news networks even if they do test on animals so this would be a bit risky to bring to light. However, what does surprise me is that the possibility of Lucky 191 being a lab dog doesn’t even seem to be on the police investigator’s radar!

I contacted the OSPCA in Aurora to see if they were looking into this possibility. The woman I spoke to said she was aware of Beagles being used in laboratories and put me in touch with the lead investigator on this case. I am still waiting to hear back from him.

Waiting is not something I do well but  research is. I started digging around and found some rather disturbing information. Ontario has in place “Animals for Research Act” which basically states; The Human society, Animal Services and the OSPCA have no jurisdiction over animals used in research facilities. They can not charge the company or anyone working in or for the labs with animal cruelty…WHAT??!!

I know a lot of people think Peta is a bunch of over the top activists however they have been shedding light on the subject of animal testing for decades. I am including a link not to gross you out or make you cry but simply to bring awareness to what is happening to companion animals and animals in general, right under our noses.

http://www.iamscruelty.com

So while I “wait” to here back from anyone regarding Lucky 191 I will continue to dig into P&G testing on animals (IAMS  and most household chemicals/beauty products) to figure out how this is legal and why nobody knows. I am not delusional in thinking I can stop this but if animal loving people are aware this is happening maybe, just maybe we can make a difference…