December 10th is International Human Rights Day, as well as Animal Rights Day. It is celebrated annually by animal rights groups.
What is International Animal Rights Day? It aims to denounce the "hypocrisy" of not recognizing the fundamental rights of animals: the right to life, liberty, and natural development.
Did you know that since 2015, the Civil Code of Quebec recognizes that animals are not considered “property,” but “beings endowed with sensitivity” who “have biological imperatives.”
Moreover, the status of animals is provided for in article 898.1, 2015, c. 35, a. 1., CCQ-1991 – Civil Code of Quebec. 2
This means that animal owners and guardians must meet their essential needs at all times, as stated on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources: " Every owner or guardian has the duty to ensure the well-being and safety of the animal under his responsibility. He must meet its needs, avoid causing it distress and ensure that it does not suffer any mistreatment that could cause serious injury or death ." Violators are liable to penalties such as a fine, seizure and imprisonment. 3
This applies to domestic animals as well as wild and farm animals. Mistreated, killed, and tortured, animals see their fundamental rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and natural development, violated every day.
In research laboratories, confronted with human cruelty, for morbid and bloody spectacles, exploited in factories, then slaughtered on the assembly line, or even, for the leisure of certain gun carriers, there are still too many who suffer the injustice and violence of men.
This day is not just about raising awareness, it is also a day to honor animal life in all its forms, showing our love and respect for animals, as they deserve to be treated with compassion and dignity.
This is the story of Nala, a tester dog who is now living her “Best Life”
I adopted Nala a week before she turned 3. She was born for lab testing here in Quebec. Yes, in 2024, it still exists, and much more than we think.
It is very difficult to know what tests were performed on Nala. Based on what the vet can deduce, it would be medication given her epilepsy at a young age (first seizure at 3 years old a few months after her adoption) and health problems (allergies and bumps on her body). I was told that if the tests had been on cosmetics and/or household products, it would be more likely physical signs.
She was lucky enough, at two years old, to be accepted by a school to live with veterinary students. Even then, she was still a guinea pig, but they offered her better conditions (without being in a 5-star hotel).
If the Lab Beagles are not rescued by this time, they are euthanized.
By chance, I discovered that we could adopt Beagles from the school. So I filled out all the questionnaires and did the interviews, and was then put on a waiting list.
I was told I had been selected to have a Beagle up for adoption, and that I had to come and choose her quickly to get first choice. Even then, I was confused. Do you want me to meet several Beagles to choose mine? No way. The first one will be my dog, and no matter what happens or complications arise, she will have the best life possible.
I met Nala, very small, skin and bones, always giving kisses and just wanting to be in my arms. It took me 4 months before I went to get her.
When I went to pick her up, I was informed that she was given medication to calm her down. Just to make sure things went smoothly. I understand, several months later, that the medication was certainly given to her on a daily basis. My conclusion: you definitely don't want nervous dogs in a lab; it would be disturbing. And even more disturbing in a room with a hundred other traumatized Beagles all coming from the same place.
Nala's journey after her release was not easy and still isn't after turning 4.
- Walking outside has been a challenge, and even after more than a year, it's still difficult sometimes. The wind blowing too hard, car lights when it gets dark, fire hydrants, sewer grates, car noise, someone walking a little too close to her. Everything creates anxiety and stress for her, enough so that I have to pick her up several times to walk.
- After a few months together, she had her first epileptic seizure, then another. As a result, she would have to take medication every day of her life to help her avoid having more severe ones. Because of her highly anxious nature, it caused her a lot of stress to have a seizure like that. So, the watchword was calm, and nothing that could trigger such a seizure.
- Now she eats every night with me in her room, but she always keeps looking back, as soon as someone attacks her. If she is traveling or at the cottage, she does not eat, unless I give her the kibble directly.
- Taming the grass is commonplace, but it took her a few weeks to get there. She always stayed on the asphalt.
- Walking on a street with people, we still can't do it. She comes into my arms, otherwise she wants to run away to escape that.
- The noise is getting better and better, but at the slightest sound louder than normal, Nala collapses to the ground, terrified, and she has to come into my arms to forget, or she starts having panic attacks and running around trying to find shelter.
- She doesn't play. When I try, she looks at me like I'm a little crazy! Sometimes she goes to get a stuffed animal, or she starts running in the snow, but it never really lasts long. We remember that for 3 years, we probably gave her medication to be calm every day.
- She makes almost no sound. Her vocal cords have been affected, perhaps due to prolonged inhalation of toxic substances. We will never know.
After experiencing all this with Nala, I'm asking myself this question: How important is it to have a cleaner for your countertops or even little laundry balls that smell good? Is it worth paying with your life?
Wouldn't you like to know what medication was tested on her that could have caused her seizures? I do, but no one is following up on my dog's health. These are closely guarded secrets.
I sincerely hope that we will all stop burying our heads in the sand and thinking that this doesn't happen anymore. It is essential to be aware of what we consume and to know who tested these products. Recognize that the right to life is for everyone, and even more so for those who cannot express themselves like us. It is still funny to have a council to protect the designation of the word Organic, but not mistreated animals. Does such a council go around the laboratories and ensure compliance with the laws? When you see the state of the dogs that leave this world, you will understand. This is without counting all the others who are not lucky enough to leave these laboratories.
Nala and I still meet people who start crying when she goes up to them, without knowing where she comes from. This is how much her heavy past will follow her throughout her life.
Oh, and why Beagles? Because they're so gentle and unforgiving, it makes them easy prey for Labs.
Yes, she's fine now. I ask her every day! She has her little light therapy, her relaxing music in her room, way too many kisses that sometimes she gets tired, clings all the time, she travels, has a friend-to-be Leo, goes walking on the beach and meets lots of amazing people who love her so much. I can't erase or make her forget her first 3 years, but I can certainly show her and allow her to live her best life until the end.
References
1. https://www.santevet.com/articles/10-decembre-c-est-la-journee-pour-les-droits-des-animaux
2. https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991/20151204#se:898_1
3. https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/sante-animale/juridique-inspections-condamnations/situation-juridique-animal
