Ontario Research Lab Sources Dogs from Controversial US Breeder
For over a decade, a major Ontario research facility has been importing dogs for scientific experiments from an American breeder facing serious animal cruelty allegations, according to an investigative report.
Nucro-Technics, which operates Canada's largest contract research facility in Scarborough, Ontario, has repeatedly purchased test study dogs from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin-based breeder that recently surrendered its operating license amid a criminal investigation.
Disturbing Allegations Surface
The Investigative Journalism Bureau uncovered evidence suggesting Ridglan Farms engaged in brutal treatment of beagles, including performing surgeries without anesthesia and severing vocal cords. These practices have been documented through published studies and months of hidden camera footage obtained by investigators.
A whistleblower provided video evidence showing dogs arriving at Nucro-Technics' 60,000-square-foot Scarborough facility in a truck marked "Ridglan Farms" as recently as 2023. This occurred nearly five years after initial public allegations of abusive treatment first emerged against the Wisconsin breeder.
Since 2013, Nucro-Technics has continued sourcing dogs from Ridglan despite the ongoing cruelty allegations. The research lab conducts scientific experiments on dogs that sometimes conclude with the animals being "humanely sacrificed."
Regulatory Response and Accountability
The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), the national oversight body setting standards for animal care in scientific research, has launched a review of Nucro-Technics following the investigative findings.
Pierre Verreault, executive director of the CCAC, emphasized that member labs bear responsibility for ensuring their animals come from reputable suppliers. While he wouldn't comment specifically on whether Nucro-Technics breached guidelines by purchasing from Ridglan, he confirmed the evidence gathered will form part of the current review.
The CCAC guidelines clearly state that "animals should be obtained from reputable suppliers." However, the council holds no legislative power to impose fines or legal penalties for violations. Its primary enforcement tool involves removing certification, which can impact an organization's access to federal funding.
Nucro-Technics failed to respond to repeated requests for comment regarding what due diligence it conducted on dogs purchased from Ridglan Farms. The Wisconsin breeder also declined interview requests but has previously disputed the cruelty allegations, claiming they were based on false testimony.
The ongoing investigation raises serious questions about animal welfare standards in Canadian research facilities and the ethical sourcing of test subjects for scientific experimentation.
