Join the Movement to #BeCrueltyFree
I was really thrilled to be invited to Blog For Bunnies in support of Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign. Ending the unnecessary cruelty of animal testing in the cosmetics industry is a cause very close to my heart, and I’m a great admirer of the amazing work the #BeCrueltyFree campaign is doing around the world to end the suffering.
Me and a Bunny World Foundation bunny – and yes I even have a bunny tattoo!
It’s so exciting to think that bloggers and YouTubers from all around the globe – Brazil, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Korea – are taking part to Blog For Bunnies too. So in honor of this global effort, my blog looks at all the countries where the #BeCrueltyFree campaign is hard at work to make the world a kinder place for bunnies and other animals used to test cosmetics. Wherever you are in the world, please support the #BeCrueltyFree campaign and let’s end cosmetics cruelty forever!
Australia
The #BeCrueltyFree Australia team operates out of Melbourne and they’re leading efforts for a combined testing and sales ban. Last year they helped launch the End Cruel Cosmetics Bill, as well as a cross-party motion supporting a test ban that was unveiled in Canberra. They also just launched an eye-catching street-side advertising campaign across Melbourne. Sign the pledge at www.becrueltyfree.org.au.
Brazil
The state of Sao Paulo has banned cosmetics animal testing already, but it’s still legal in the rest of Brazil. #BeCrueltyFree Brazil launched a huge celebrity-led campaign, including a video starring supermodel Fernanda Tavares, and they’ve lobbied politicians hard. A test ban bill was launched last year, but it includes a number of loopholes that mean it won’t deliver a genuine test ban unless it’s amended. So that’s what the #BeCrueltyFree campaigners in Brasilia and Rio de Janero are working on right now. Check them out here.
Canada
A big shout out to the #BeCrueltyFree Canada campaigners in Toronto and Vancouver who have done so much over the last couple of years to put ending cosmetics animal testing on the agenda. A host of celebrities have given them their backing, including Phoebe Dykstra, Laura Vandervoort, Tricia Helfer, Emmanuelle Vaugier, and Kristin Bauer. I really loved their subway campaign when giant bunnies mixed with commuters to raise awareness, and their thought-provoking poster campaign also hit the Toronto subway this year. Sign their advo here.
China
#BeCrueltyFree is the only campaign active on the ground inside China, calling for an end to cosmetics animal testing. They also have technical experts working within the scientific community to increase acceptance of non-animal test methods. Last year they welcomed really encouraging news, that animal testing is no longer legally required for some domestically-produced cosmetics. It’s baby steps towards the ultimate goal of a ban, but public opinion is growing and #BeCrueltyFree even launched the first ever ad campaign with a Chinese celebrity to call for a test ban – watch the video here.
European Union
The EU cosmetics animal test ban of 2009 set the global standard that the #BeCrueltyFree campaign is working hard to replicate globally. They gathered nearly half a million petition signatures of support for a sales ban too, and seeing that achieved in March 2013 was a personal highlight for me. Anyone living in the EU can still support #BeCrueltyFree’s global efforts by signing the #BeCrueltyFree pledge.
India
Another highlight – spurred on by the EU ban, #BeCrueltyFree India achieved a nationwide ban on cosmetics animal testing and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics soon after. Alokparna Sengupta from the #BeCrueltyFree team was the first animal campaigner in India to hold the notification confirming the ban! Watch her video clip here.
Japan
In Japan, animal tests aren’t required for most ordinary cosmetics, but the law doesn’t prevent them taking place either if companies choose. Additionally, animal tests are required if a cosmetic product uses new chemical ingredients. Progress is slow in Japan, but from Tokyo #BeCrueltyFree is in dialogue with policy makers and forging alliances with cruelty-free companies. You can support #BeCrueltyFree Japan here.
South Korea
#BeCrueltyFree in Seoul is working super hard with policy makers to achieve a test and sales ban. As I write this blog, a bill is being worked on but #BeCrueltyFree is helping to strengthen the bill language to achieve the best possible outcome for animals. Plus they’re also busy raising public awareness about cruelty-free, like this fun event with South Korea’s top TV personality Sam Hammington. Watch this space for updates!
New Zealand
There’s so much exciting news coming from New Zealand right now, the campaign is at a critical stage. #BeCrueltyFree worked with politician Mojo Mathers to launch proposed amendments to the country’s Animal Welfare Act, which the NZ Parliament will vote on any day now! Crumpet the bunny was at the launch to give it a helping paw. I really hope that Parliament votes through the test ban – until then you can send an e-card to NZ politicians here.
Taiwan
Legislative bills for a ban are also being worked on here, with #BeCrueltyFree in Taipei securing corporate and political support for a robust ban. Last year their cruelty-free pamper party looked like a lot of fun – I wish I could have been there!
USA
#BeCrueltyFree USA is coordinated by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Legislative Fund, and they worked with Cong. Moran last year to launch the Humane Cosmetics Act, with support from a great many cruelty-free companies too. I really hope that 2015 is the year that the United States steps up to the plate like some of these other countries and really starts working towards a ban on cosmetics cruelty!
The cosmetics business is a global industry, which means that animal testing of cosmetics is a global problem and every country needs to play its part in ending the suffering. So wherever you are in the world, please check out the #BeCrueltyFree campaign and give them your support so that together we can create a cruelty-free world!
Share your cruelty free stories with #BlogForBunnies & #BeCrueltyFree tags on social, and be sure to follow @HSIGlobal!
I am thrilled as well to see so many countries coming together to stop animal testing and promote the Cruelty-Free Campaign.
And India being one of them, I hope I see ban on N-C-F imported Products. #BeCrueltyFree
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