You’ve seen the gory public service advertisements. You’ve read about the issue. But are you ready to take action? Animal testing is still a concern in 2017. According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) that each year, more than 100 million animals—including mice, rats, frogs, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, monkeys, fish, and birds—are killed in U.S. laboratories for biology lessons, medical training, curiosity-driven experimentation, and chemical, drug, food, and cosmetics testing.
Is testing on animals necessary?
The answer is a big ‘NO’. Humans and animals react differently to chemicals so testing on animals to ensure its safety for human use is just nonsense.
Why should we switch to cruelty-free?
Animal testing is more cruel than you might think. Animals used in experiments are confined in small cages and terrible conditions. They are subjected to tests in the mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and mouth, and these chemicals cause irritation, burning, and corrosion of the eyes and skin. 50 percent of all animals die in lethal dose tests, and most of them will never know a life outside of laboratories.
Living a life of suffering, they know nothing but fear and pain. It doesn’t have to be this way!
Governments Worldwide Have Banned Animal Testing
Many countries have taken action and banned animal testing on finished cosmetic products and ingredients. The European Union, Israel, India, Norway, Switzerland, South Korea, and New Zealand have all banned animal testing. These countries are setting a prime example across the world that animal testing is harmful and unethical.
What are you really putting on your skin?
Many mainstream brands are full of harsh and toxic chemicals that are harmful to your body, hence the supposed need for animal testing. Switching to cruelty-free products is healthier for your skin as they contain safe and approved ingredients. Remember that it’s not only what you eat that matters, but also what you put on your skin. Cruelty-free products are also environmentally-friendly. Which means making more conscious purchases and doing our part for Mother Nature.
Technology vs Animal Testing
Truth’s out! There are better alternatives to animal testing for ingredient safety. Many companies rely on in vitro testing, computerized models patient-drug databases, virtual drug trials, computer models and other cruelty-free methods. . Non-animal tests are more cost-effective, practical and convenient.
4 Ways To Go Cruelty-Free
Do Your Homework
Switching to cruelty-free products is among the best way to say no to animal testing. Take the initiative to do your research on the brands that carry out animal testing, and consider alternative cruelty-free brands. By being mindful of your purchases, you are supporting companies that established the ban on testing on animals.
Take note also that while some products and brands are not tested on animals, some countries, such as China, require animal testing before the product can be sold in the country. So while the ingredients used and the finished products may initially be cruelty-free, to enter the market, they are then tested on animals. Look out for statements that say they do not conduct or commission tests on animals ‘unless required to do so by law or national authorities’. What you’re on the lookout for are companies that are completely cruelty-free.
And just because a product has ‘clean’ qualities like being organic or vegan, this doesn’t immediately classify it as cruelty-free as the ingredients or finished products may have been tested on animals at some point.
Take baby steps
When shopping, keep an eye out for the leaping bunny logo. The leaping bunny is the stamp of approval created by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). It’s given to cosmetic brands when they don’t employ animal testing while developing cosmetic products. Look around your vanity stash. Swap your makeup and personal care products for cruelty-free ones.
You don’t just buy products; you invest in your values. Spread the word to your friends and family. Be a prime example of being an ethical and conscious consumer. Inform them about the problems and issues of animal cruelty and how they could take part in the movement!
Take The Pledge
Be a compassionate consumer and take the pledge to go cruelty-free. Purchase cosmetics, personal care, and household products from companies that do not test finished products, ingredients, or formulations on animals.
The beauty industry likes to fabricate and hide the dark side of animal testing. Here are some statistics to give you a better picture.
Global animal experiments
- Research by Cruelty Free International and the Dr Hadwen Trust suggests that at least 115 million animals may be used in experiments worldwide each year.
- It is estimated that the top 10 animal testing countries in the world are the USA, Japan, China, Australia, France, Canada, the UK, Germany, Taiwan and Brazil, in that order.
- Animal experiments are not in decline, and in many parts of the world are on the increase (e.g. China) or remain at the same level as they were in the 1980s or 1990s (e.g. the UK, Europe).
Source: Cruelty Free International
Now that you’re aware of the impact and cruelty of animal testing, you can make better and more informed decisions that will have a significant impact on putting a stop to animal testing.
Let’s end this cruel practice.