Animals for Research Act

1 (1) In this Act, “animal” means a live, non-human vertebrate; (“animal”) “Director” means the person designated by the Minister as the Director for the purposes of this Act; (“directeur”) “inspector” means an inspector appointed under this Act; (“inspecteur”) “licence” means a licence under this Act; (“permis”) “Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; (“ministre”) Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the definition of “Minister” in subsection 1 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 1 (1)) “Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness or such other member of the Executive Council to whom responsibility for the administration of this Act may be assigned or transferred under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”) Note: On January 1, 2027…

1.1 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 does not apply in respect of an animal in the possession of the operator of a registered research facility or of a licensed operator of a supply facility. 2019, c. 13, s. 72 (2). Exception (2) Section 19, clause 49 (2) (f), subsections 49 (4), (6), (8), (9), (10) and (11) and sections 58 and 59 of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 apply in respect of an orca, as defined in that Act, in the possession of the operator of a registered research facility or of a licensed operator of a supply facility. 2019, c. 13, s. 72 (2). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2015, c. 10, s. 9 - 28/05/2015 2019, c. 13, s. 72 (2) - 01/01/2020

2 (1) No person shall commence or continue to be an operator of a supply facility without a licence as an operator of a supply facility from the Director unless the person is exempt under this Act or the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 2 (1). Exception as to certain sales (2) An operator of a supply facility is exempt from subsection (1) respecting cattle, fish, goats, horses, poultry, reptiles, sheep, swine or game wildlife as defined in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, but in all other respects the operator is subject to the provisions of this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 2 (2); 1997, c. 41, s. 115. Requirements for licensing (3) No person shall be granted a licence as an operator of a supply facility unless the person, (a) is experienced in the proper care and handling of animals; and (b) possesses all pens, cages, compounds, vehicles, tools, im…

3 (1) Subject to subsection 12 (1), the Director shall issue a licence as an operator of a supply facility to an applicant therefor unless, in his or her opinion, the applicant does not comply with clauses 2 (3) (a) and (b). R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 3 (1). Refusal to issue (2) Where the Director is of the opinion that an applicant does not comply with clauses 2 (3) (a) and (b), he or she may, after a hearing, refuse to issue the licence. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 3 (2). Renewal (3) Subject to subsection (4), the Director shall renew a licence on application therefor by the licensee in accordance with this Act and the regulations and payment of the prescribed fee. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 3 (3). Refusal to renew, suspension, etc. (4) Where the Director is of the opinion, in the case of a licensee, that clause 2 (4) (a) or (b) applies, he or she may, after a hearing, refuse to renew or may …

3.1 No operator of a supply facility shall breed cats or dogs for research purposes. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 2. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 2 - 01/01/2027

4 (1) No person shall commence or continue to operate a research facility unless the research facility is registered under this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 4 (1). Requirements for registration (2) No research facility shall be registered unless there are therein or adjacent thereto and in connection therewith all pens, cages, compounds, tools, implements, buildings and dietary materials necessary to properly care for and handle animals that are in the research facility. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 4 (2). Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, subsection 4 (2) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 3) Registration, renewals (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Director shall register a research facility, or renew the registration of a research facility, whose operator applies for registration or re…

5 (1) Subject to subsection 12 (2), the Director shall register a research facility in Ontario unless, in his or her opinion, it does not contain the facilities, equipment or materials referred to in subsection 4 (2). R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 5 (1). Refusal to register (2) Where the Director is of the opinion that a research facility in respect of which an application for registration is made does not contain the facilities, equipment or materials referred to in subsection 4 (2), he or she may, after a hearing, refuse to register the research facility. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 5 (2). Renewal (3) Subject to subsection (4), the Director shall renew a registration on application therefor by the registrant in accordance with this Act and the regulations and payment of the prescribed fee. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 5 (3). Refusal to renew, suspension, etc. (4) Where the Director is of the opini…

5 The Director may, after a hearing, suspend or revoke the registration of a research facility if, (a) any of the facilities, equipment or materials referred to in clause 4 (2) (b) have not been properly maintained or are no longer available at the research facility; or (b) the operator of the research facility or any person employed by or associated with the operator in the operation of the research facility has failed to comply with this Act or the regulations or with any Act relating to cruelty to or maltreatment or neglect of animals. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 4. Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 4 - 01/01/2027

6 (1) Despite sections 3 and 5, the Director, by notice to an operator and without a hearing, may provisionally refuse to renew or suspend the operator’s licence or registration where in the Director’s opinion it is necessary to do so for the immediate protection of the safety or health of, or the prevention of cruelty to or maltreatment or neglect of any animal and the Director so states in such notice giving reasons therefor, and thereafter the Director shall hold a hearing to determine whether renewal of the licence or registration should be refused or whether the licence or registration should be further suspended or revoked under this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 6 (1). Continuation of licence or registration pending renewal (2) Subject to subsection (1), where, within the time prescribed therefor or, if no time is prescribed, before expiry of a licence or regis…

7 (1) The notice of a hearing by the Director under section 3 or 5 shall afford to the applicant or operator a reasonable opportunity to show or to achieve compliance before the hearing with all lawful requirements for the issue or retention of the licence or registration. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 7 (1). Examination of documentary evidence (2) An applicant or operator who is a party to proceedings in which the Director holds a hearing shall be afforded an opportunity to examine before the hearing any written or documentary evidence that will be produced or any report the contents of which will be given in evidence at the hearing. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 7 (2).

8 Where the Director has refused to issue or renew or has suspended or revoked a licence or registration pursuant to a hearing, the Director may, at any time of his or her own motion or on the application of the person who was the applicant or operator, vary or rescind the decision, but the Director shall not vary or rescind the decision adversely to the interests of any person without holding a rehearing to which such person is a party and may make such decision pursuant to such rehearing as he or she considers proper under this Act or the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 8.

9 (1) Where the Director refuses to issue or renew or suspends or revokes a licence or registration, the applicant or operator may, by written notice delivered to the Director and filed with the Tribunal within fifteen days after receipt of the decision of the Director, appeal to the Tribunal. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 9 (1); 1994, c. 27, s. 9 (3); 2006, c. 19, Sched. A, s. 2 (1). Extension of time for appeal (2) The Tribunal may extend the time for the giving of notice by an applicant or operator under subsection (1) either before or after expiration of such time where it is satisfied that there are apparent grounds for appeal and that there are reasonable grounds for applying for the extension. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 9 (2); 1994, c. 27, s. 9 (3) ; 2006, c. 19, Sched. A, s. 2 (2). Disposal of appeal (3) Where an applicant or operator appeals to the Tribunal in accordance with subsectio…

10 (1) The Director, the appellant and such other persons as the Tribunal may specify are parties to the proceedings before the Tribunal under this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 10 (1); 1994, c. 27, s. 9 (3) ; 2006, c. 19, Sched. A, s. 2 (3). Members making decision not to have taken part in investigation, etc. (2) Members of the Tribunal assigned to render a decision after a hearing shall not have taken part prior to the hearing in any investigation or consideration of the subject-matter of the hearing and shall not communicate directly or indirectly in relation to the subject-matter of the hearing with any person or with any party or a party’s representative except upon notice to and opportunity for all parties to participate, but such members may seek legal advice from an adviser independent from the parties and in such case the nature of the advice should be made known to the parties…

11 (1) Any party to the hearing before the Tribunal may appeal from the decision of the Tribunal to the Divisional Court in accordance with the rules of court. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 11 (1); 1994, c. 27, s. 9 (3) ; 2006, c. 19, Sched. A, s. 2 (1). Minister entitled to be heard (2) The Minister is entitled to be heard, by counsel or otherwise, upon the argument of an appeal under this section. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 11 (2). Record to be filed in court (3) The chair of the Tribunal shall file with the Registrar of the Superior Court of Justice the record of the proceedings before the Tribunal which, together with a transcript of the evidence before the Tribunal, if it is not part of the Tribunal’s record, shall constitute the record in the appeal. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 11 (3); 1994, c. 27, s. 9 (3) ; 2006, c. 19, Sched. A, s. 2 (1) ; 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1). Powers of court …

12 (1) The Director shall not issue a licence to any person who formerly held a licence as an operator of a supply facility and whose licence was revoked less than one year before the date of the application. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 12 (1). When research facility not to be registered (2) The Director shall not register a research facility that was formerly registered and the registration of which was revoked less than one year before the date of the application. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 12 (2). Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, subsection 12 (2) of the Act is repealed. (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 5) Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 5 - 01/01/2027

13 Animals that are bred and reared in a supply facility shall, at all times, be maintained by the operator thereof in such manner that they are separate from any other animals owned by the operator. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 13.

14 (1) No person shall purchase or otherwise acquire an animal from any person in Ontario for use in a research facility except from, (a) the operator of a registered research facility; (b) the operator of a pound, under section 20; (c) the operator of a supply facility who is, (i) the holder of a licence as an operator of a supply facility, or (ii) exempt under this Act or the regulations from the provisions of subsection 2 (1) in respect of the animal. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 14 (1). Sale or other disposition of dog or cat (2) No operator of a research facility shall sell or otherwise dispose of any dog or cat purchased or otherwise acquired under section 20 to any person other than the operator of a registered research facility in Ontario. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 14 (2). Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, subsection 14 (2) of the …

15 The operator of a registered research facility shall submit to the Director such reports respecting animals used in the research facility for research as may be prescribed in the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 15. Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Act is amended by adding the following section: (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 7)

15.1 (1) No person shall perform invasive medical research on cats, dogs or other prescribed animals. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 7. Exception (2) Despite subsection (1), invasive medical research on an animal mentioned in that subsection is permitted at a registered research facility if, (a) the research is for a veterinary purpose set out in the regulations or is otherwise described in the regulations; (b) the operator of the registered research facility where the research would be performed submits a research project proposal that meets the prescribed criteria, if any, to the animal care committee for the registered research facility; (c) the animal care committee reviews the research project proposal and provides the operator of the registered research facility with its approval, in writing, in accordance with subsection 17 (3.1); and (d) the research is carried out in accordance with t…

16 (1) Every animal used in a registered research facility in any experiment that is likely to result in pain to the animal shall be anaesthetized so as to prevent the animal from suffering unnecessary pain. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 16 (1). Analgesics to be provided (2) The operator of a research facility shall provide analgesics adequate to prevent an animal from suffering unnecessary pain during the period of its recovery from any procedure used in an experiment. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 16 (2).

17 (1) Every person or body of persons having control of a registered research facility or facilities shall establish in connection therewith an animal care committee, one of the members of which shall be a veterinarian. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 17 (1). Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, subsection 17 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 8 (1))

(1) The operator of a registered research facility shall ensure that, (a) an animal care committee is established or engaged in respect of the research facility in accordance with this section; and (b) the animal care committee carries out its duties under this Act with respect to the research facility. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 8 (1). Membership (1.1) The members of the animal care committee shall include, (a) at least one veterinarian; and (b) such other members as may be required by the regulations or who meet such criteria as may be set out in the regulations. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 8 (1). Responsibility of committee (2) Every animal care committee established under subsection (1) shall be responsible for co-ordinating and reviewing, (a) the activities and procedures relating to the care of animals; (b) the standards of care and facilities for animals; (c) the training and qualifica…

18 (1) The Minister shall appoint a chief inspector who is a veterinarian and such other inspectors as he or she considers necessary, and, despite any other Act, such inspectors have exclusive authority to initiate proceedings to enforce this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 18 (1). Certificate of appointment (2) The production by an inspector of a certificate of appointment purporting to be signed by the Minister is admissible in evidence as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of his or her appointment without further proof of the signature or authority of the Minister. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 18 (2). Powers of inspectors (3) Subject to subsections (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8), an inspector, for the purpose of carrying out his or her duties under this Act, may, upon production of a certificate of appointment, (a) enter any premises, car, truck or other con…

19 No person shall hinder or obstruct an inspector in the course of his or her duties or furnish him or her with false information or refuse to furnish information. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 19.

20 (1) The minimum redemption period shall be three days, excluding the day on which the dog or cat was impounded, or such longer period as the regulations prescribe and holidays shall not be included in calculating any redemption period. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 20 (1). Idem (2) The council of a local municipality may by by-law fix a redemption period that is longer than the minimum redemption period prescribed by or under this Act and shall file a copy of any such by-law with the Director. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 20 (2). Repeal or amendment of by-law (3) Except with the approval in writing of the Director, no by-law referred to in subsection (2) shall be repealed or amended. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 20 (3). Notification by operator (4) Where the operator of a pound has impounded a dog or cat that has a tag, name plate or other means of identification, the operator shall, (a) notify th…

21 (1) Every person who contravenes this Act, other than section 15, or the regulations, other than a regulation made under clause 23 (h), (j) or (l) , or of an order made under subsection 17 (4), is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable for a first offence to a fine of not more than $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than three months, or to both, and for a subsequent offence to a fine of not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 21 (1). Idem (2) Every person who contravenes section 15 or a regulation made under clause 23 (h), (j) or (l), is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable for a first offence to a fine of not more than $2,000 and for a subsequent offence to a fine of not more than $5,000. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 21 (2). Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of…

21 (1) Every person is guilty of an offence who, (a) contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations not referenced in subsection (2); (b) contravenes or fails to comply with an order of an animal care committee under subsection 17 (4); or (c) knowingly provides false or misleading information to the chief inspector or to another inspector. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 11. Major offences (2) Every person is guilty of an offence who contravenes any of the following: 1. Subsection 2 (1) (Operator required to be licensed). 2. Subsection 4 (1) (Research facility required to be registered). 3. Subsection 14 (1) (Purchase or other acquisition of animals). 4. Subsection 14 (2) (Sale, gift, etc.). 5. Subsection 15.1 (1) (Invasive medical research). 6. Subsection 15.1 (3) (Other research). 7. Subsection 16 (1) (Animals to be anaesthetized). 8. Subsection 16 (2) (Analgesics to be provided). 9. …

22 Where it is made to appear from the material filed or evidence adduced that any offence against this Act or the regulations or against any Act relating to cruelty to or maltreatment or neglect of animals has been or is being committed by any person who is the operator of a pound, research facility or supply facility or who is employed by or associated with any such person, the Superior Court of Justice may, upon the application of the Director, enjoin any such person from being engaged in any way in the operation of such pound, research facility or supply facility absolutely or for such period as seems just. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22, s. 22; 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1). Section Amendments with date in force (d/m/y) 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1) - 22/06/2006

23 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations, Note: On January 1, 2027, the day named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, section 23 of the Act is amended by adding the following clauses: (See: 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 12 (1)) (0.a) respecting anything in this Act that is described as being prescribed or done by regulation; (0.b) defining or clarifying the meaning of any word or expression used in this Act that is not otherwise defined in this Act; (a) providing for the manner of issuing licences, prescribing their duration and the fees payable therefor; (b) providing for the manner of registering research facilities in Ontario, prescribing the fees payable therefor, and prescribing terms and conditions for such registration; (c) prescribing further procedures for hearings before the Tribunal; (d) prescribing the buildings, facilities and equipment to be provide…

24 (1) A regulation under this Act may be general or particular in its application. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 13. Incorporation by reference, standards of practice (2) A regulation may incorporate by reference, in whole or in part and with such changes as are considered necessary, any code, standard, guideline or similar document. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 13. Rolling incorporation (3) If a regulation incorporates by reference a code, standard, guideline or similar document, the regulation may require compliance with the code, standard, guideline or document as amended from time to time, whether the amendment was made before or after the regulation was made. 2026, c. 7, Sched. 1, s. 13. Same (4) A code, standard, guideline or similar document adopted pursuant to subsection (3) must be created by a recognized body and must not be a code, standard, guideline or document created by the Minist…