Close to a hundred protesters gathered during the noon hour in front of a Baie d'Urfé medical research lab accused of abuse of animals used for testing.
ITR - International Toxicology Research - was the subject of a recent W5 investigative report that showed disturbing video of apparent mistreatment of pigs, monkeys and dogs used for testing toxicity of medical products.
It issued a statement in the wake of the report: "We take our responsibility to treat the animals in our care with the utmost respect very seriously. Behaviour that does not comply with our guidelines is addressed promptly and firmly."
But that didn't satisfy demonstrators such as Pat McTurner who drove in from Ste Dorothée, Laval to stand alongside fellow protestors holding placards that said, "Stop animal testing!" and "Stop ITR cruelty!"
"Imagine being in a cage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, only coming out to be tested. Imagine that sort of life?" said McTurner in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
Demonstrators say it's time for stricter regulations and penalties governing animal welfare in such situations.
Organizer Robert Boisvert said it was important for them to show their disapproval in person.
"We're here to give a voice for the voiceless," said Boisvert
"Enough of this stuff, enough of this crap. It's medieval, it should be left back in the old times."
The company had private security block the entrances of the parking lot and about half a dozen Montreal police cruisers were on hand to keep an eye on the protest.