Media Releases

CALAS Animal Experimentation Symposium Illegal?

The upcoming Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) 2011 annual symposium could violate animal welfare laws, says Lawyers for Animal Welfare (LAW).

The industry convention scheduled to be held from May 14 to May 17, 2011 at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel in Richmond Hill, Ontario is advertised to include animal experimentation workshops using live animals including mice and rabbits.

The CALAS conference website, which can be seen HERE, states that workshops will include live demonstrations of rodent blood sampling and surgical implantation, among others.

But bringing the horrors of animal experimentation in the lab to a convention centre could run afoul of animal welfare laws, says Nicholas Wright, a founding director of LAW.

“The Animals for Research Act prohibits animal research including teaching in facilities that are not registered for such purposes; these rules exist for a reason and unfortunately it is no surprise that CALAS could be breaking the law. CALAS is an industry group supportive of animal testing and experimentation,” said Wright.

“There are also bylaws, health regulations and animal welfare laws which look like they could be broken based on the CALAS website,” Wright added.

LAW has sent a letter to CALAS expressing its concerns about potential violations and has alerted the appropriate authorities. The letter sent to CALAS by LAW can be read online HERE.

LAW is not the only group to express concerns about the gruesome workshops. Citizens groups concerned about animal practices at the convention and in laboratories are also planning to make their voices heard. One such group is planning a demonstration outside of the event and have formed a Facebook group which can be seen HERE.

CALAS has yet to formally respond to the concerns regarding the legality of their activities.

Lawyers for Animal Welfare (LAW) is an incorporated Registered Charity dedicated to advancing public knowledge of animal practices and preventing the abuse and killing of animals through the enforcement of existing laws.

Tax deductible donations can be made on the website using credit card or PayPal at: http://www.lawyersforanimalwelfare.com/donate or by contacting the organization to make alternative arrangements.

For more information contact LAW at: info AT lawyersforanimalwelfare.com