As an avid animal lover, I am horrified that we the taxpayers, are paying for this abhorrent abuse of dogs and other animals in the name of "research." It is shocking to learn that such inhumane experiments have been secretly conducted under our noses for the past 30 years at St. Joseph Hospital. This revelation has shattered my trust in an institution I once believed served the interests of the community and public health.

Reports have surfaced revealing that Roy Butler, President/CEO of St. Joseph Hospital, Donna Ladouceur, Board Chair of St. Joseph Hospital, and Frank Prato, Head Researcher, have been directly involved in authorizing and conducting cruel experiments on dogs. These experiments cause unnecessary suffering and pain to animals, keeping them in intolerable conditions, all under the guise of medical research. It is unconscionable and unacceptable.

Animal experimentation is a deeply contentious issue, with numerous studies indicating that data derived from such practices often fail to translate into human treatments. More ethical and humane research methodologies, such as in vitro testing, computer modeling, and the use of human volunteer microdosing, have been shown to be effective alternatives. Despite these available options, St. Joseph Hospital continued with barbaric testing practices.

The leadership must be held accountable for their actions and removed from their positions. We are calling for the immediate termination of Roy Butler, Donna Ladouceur, and Frank Prato to restore public confidence and ensure that our animals are no longer subjected to unnecessary cruelty. The removal of these individuals will facilitate the adoption of humane and progressive practices that align with the ethical standards expected by society today.

Together, we can demand change and halt these experiments once and for all. We urge everyone who loves animals and values ethical research to join us in this critical movement. Sign this petition to ensure St. Joseph Hospital’s leadership is held accountable and that these painful practices cease immediately.