Stars Speak Out to End Animal Testing

A host of global celebrities have joined forces with animal welfare organization, Humane Society International, is a campaign to end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics and make Europe the world’s first cruelty-free zone (c’mon America – get with the times!). Thousands of animals across the globe – such as rabbits, guinea pigs and mice – are subjected to cruel and inhumane experiments including being forced to swallow cosmetic chemicals or have them dripped into their eyes. For lipstick? C’mon – that’s just ridiculous. We can do better. Here’s what you can do to help HSI campaign for beauty without cruelty.

Animal testing for cosmetics such as lipstick and shampoo is banned in the EU, but products tested on animals in countries such as the United States, China and Brazil continue to be sold in EU shops. A Europe-wide ban on selling these animal-tested products could help to stop the suffering once and for all. The ban is due to come into force in 2013, but EU politicians are now threatening delay.

Saving the EU sales ban is vital. As Europe is the world’s largest cosmetics market, a ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics would have a dramatic impact on the cosmetics industry worldwide. Companies across the globe would have a choice to make – either stop animal testing or miss out on the lucrative EU market. Saving the EU ban really could be a major step towards achieving a total end to animal testing of cosmetics.

HSI’s CrueltyFree2013 campaign calls on EU politicians to do the right thing and save the ban. Already it’s attracted support from animal-loving stars such as singer Leona Lewis, comedian Ricky Gervais, ‘Sporty Spice’ Melanie C, photographer and Sir Paul’s eldest daughter Mary McCartney and multi-award winning actress Dame Judi Dench. They have signed HSI’s CrueltyFree2013 petition and are asking compassionate consumers to sign too at www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013.

Ricky Gervais says:

“It’s shocking to think that behind the glamorous advertising and glossy packaging, there can lurk the ugly truth of chemicals forced down an animal’s throat. It would be nice if companies would stop animal testing just because it’s the right thing to do. But in reality, for as long as they can sell their products, they’re unlikely to change. That’s why I’ve signed HSI’s Cruelty-Free 2013 petition calling for the sale of animal-tested cosmetics to be banned in the EU without delay.”

Buying cruelty-free has never been easier. HSI endorses Leaping Bunny, an organization that approves hundreds of beauty brands as genuinely not tested on animals at any stage during the manufacturing process. You can download a free handy pocket list of global Leaping Bunny approved brands and download the iPhone or Android app.

Please join Leona, Ricky, Melanie, Mary and Dame Judi in signing the CrueltyFree2013 petition at www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013