Cruelty Free International campaign targets US animal testing ban
The organization has enlisted A list star Peter Dinklage, to be the spearhead and spokesperson for the campaign, following a similar campaign in Europe that used the face of international director, writer and comedian Ricky Gervais.
Gervais used his high profile public status to slam cosmetics companies involved in animal testing, targeting businesses that he claimed had abandoned their ethics in order to sell their products in markets such as China, in a campaign that was launched in the UK and worldwide back in July of last year.
Mission to ban animal testing worldwide
The UK-based organization says that its US campaign is a part of its mission to ban the testing of cosmetics worldwide. In the past it has been particularly vocal in its criticism of larger markets such as the US, Brazil and China, where cosmetics tests are not outlawed.
“It is unacceptable that animals continue to suffer around the world, including the United States of America, for the sake of beauty. I appeal to the USA to follow the European Union's lead and end animal testing for cosmetics," stated Dinklage.
The campaign follows an EU ban on the importation into Europe of cosmetics that have been tested on animals which was made law last month, adding to a ban on the manufacturing of both ingredients and finished products in Europe.
No animal tested cosmetic product can now be sold in Europe
The ban applies to all new cosmetics and their ingredients sold in the EU, regardless of where in the world testing on animals was carried out, and the organization wants to now see this kind of regulation introduction worldwide.
“The Food and Drug Administration must follow Europe's lead and do the right thing for animals and consumers by mandating non-animal methods for cosmetics immediately,” said Cruelty Free International chief executive, Michelle Thew.
Like the European Union, Israel has also implemented a total ban on animal testing, while India has also taken strides towards matching its legislation with those in the West.
