Dog gets new leash on life
Second adoptee from animal testing lab
Tessa Vanderhart Staff
A copper-coloured, mixed-breed husky named Mona has become the second dog released from the university’s animal testing centre, to much attention.
She was released from the university’s research laboratory last week, to the home of Brent Thomas, until a permanent home can be found.
Thomas has been a community representative to the university’s animal care committee for 10 years, and is a member of the Siberian Husky club of Winnipeg. He explained that Mona’s name was taken from her laboratory nickname: Mama. The university purchased her when pregnant — her pups are to be used for asthma research.
Thomas said that he supports the university’s move toward allowing the adoption of animals not needed for research.
“Any time that they’re finished with [an animal], they’re always put down — now, they’re looking at the option of putting them up for adoption, at least the companion animals.”
He emphasized that offers to adopt Mona should come with a knowledge of husky behaviour, and not a desire to rescue her.
Taylor said that although he has something of an affinity for dogs — he has a yard full of huskies and boards dogs as well —he has “no doubt” that Mona’s puppies will be treated well at the university.
“Yeah, I’m sorry that it’s going to happen, but I look at the bright side, and I say, she’s going to get a reprieve. She’ll get a chance for a good, happy life, and make somebody a good pet.”
Nora Lewis, director of the Animal Care and Use program for the university, said that the adoption program is not new — in fact, Mona is the second dog to be adopted from the university’s research labs.
“The adoption program is not limited to dogs, however, other animals, like rats, are less likely to find homes in the community and are less likely to adapt well to new homes,” said Lewis.
Veterinarians assess the animals, and ensure that they’re physically and mentally fit for adoption.
“We are very committed to our adoption program and, in fact, to everything we do here to improve the lives of research animals, from creating comfortable environments to hiring caring, qualified people to work with the animals.”
Lewis explained that the university has strict policies on animal testing.
“The numbers of animals used in any project must be rigorously justified and minimized,” she said, and done with “minimal effects on the animal, minimal numbers of animals used and using the least sentient animal.”
The decision to allow animals to be tested for any project must go through the university’s animal care committee, consisting of: a community representative, a veterinarian, a student, animal care technician, a non-animal user and scientists familiar with animal research, according to Lewis.
