Six Labradors used for dental implant testing at Swedish University have been put down despite 84,000-strong petition to stop them being killed Six two-year-old Labradors were euthanized at the University of Gothenburg Over a third of the dogs' teeth had been removed to test dental implants Scientists said dogs must be dead to test effects of implants on tissue and bone By Miranda Aldersley For Mailonline Published: 11:47 GMT, 1 March 2019 | Updated: 11:51 GMT, 1 March 2019 Viewcomments Six Labradors have been put down at a Swedish laboratory after the medical trial for dental implants they were being subjected to came to an end. As part of the testing, each of the black Labradors had more than a third of their teeth extracted and replaced with implants. The two-year-old animals were killed on Wednesday at the University of Gothenburg that researchers can continue to analyse the effects on their bone, tissue and blood. The team had previously said the dogs must be dead for process. The Djurrättsalliansen (Animal Rights Alliance) had attempted to prevent Venus, Milia, Mimosa, Luna, Lotus and Zuri being killed at the end of their treatment. Put down: Pictured are dogs used in a previous experiment. Six Labradors were killed at the University of Gothenburg on Wednesday Comedian Ricky Gervais and Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan had thrown their weight behind the campaign, which was backed by British activists from the Animal Justice Project. The Local reported Göran Landberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at the university, as saying: 'It's difficult for us to reach a consensus on these issues, but dialogue is important. 'As we see it, animal experiments are still needed in some kinds of research, to develop new medicines and treatment methods and gain basic knowledge.' More than 84,000 people signed a petition put forward by the Animal Rights Alliance. One vet told Swedish TV that the dogs would be 'emotionally broken' by their treatment (file photo of a black Labrador) The case has drawn outcry in Swedish media, with a vet called Mark Collins recently speaking on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA3FtYT0WO8 to deplore the treatment of the dogs. Mr Collins said 'I do not understand at all' - he described how removing a Labrador's teeth requires great force and would put them in substantial pain. He added that because of the close bond they have with humans the treatment they have received would leave the dogs 'emotionally broken'. Under Swedish regulations animal testing is allowed only if researchers can prove it is the only way to obtain the information. The university have received this approval and say that the research is being carried out by a highly qualified team, which includes vets. But the Animal Rights Alliance allege in their investigation they uncovered notes relating to the pup called Venus which revealed she was being treated for 'lying sores on her elbows.' They also said the dog was being kept in a cold room. Dogs were selected for the dental tests because of the similarity between their saliva and oral bacteria and that of humans. In a statement on its website, the University said: 'We do understand how animal testing can arouse strong emotions, but we also would like to stress the fact that periodontitis is still a major public health issue, and the research conducted here is crucial to many people. 'It may be difficult to imagine the problems arising from severe periodontitis, or following cancer treatment that causes a loss of speech. Not being able to speak, or eat with other people, frequently leads to complete isolation. 'The animals are always given an analgesic before any potentially painful procedures. The animals are put down by veterinarians.' Jörgen Svensson, security manager at the University of Gothenburg, said last week that the researchers at the university have been exposed to threats. 'They have been terrified and feel bad. We have taken security measures to protect those who have been exposed,' he said. Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility