Ricky Gervais Launches Global Campaign to end Cosmetic Tests on Animals

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Mar 15, 2012, 07:00 ET

BOSTON, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Cruelty Free International, a new global non-profit organization spells out vision to end product testing on animals worldwide.

Ricky Gervais, Ambassador for Cruelty Free International, states: "I am delighted to support the launch of Cruelty Free International, the exciting global campaign to end the use of animals in product testing. Animal testing for cosmetics is still allowed in most of the world. That means thousands of animals can continue to die for the sake of a new shampoo. We urgently need a worldwide ban on this cruel and unnecessary suffering."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120315/519055 )

Ricky, who stars in a campaign video for the new global NGO has launched a worldwide appeal:

"It's time to close the door on testing products on animals. Get involved. Please join me in supporting Cruelty Free International in its global mission to consign animal testing for cosmetics to the history books."

There is no worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics. Despite progress with some countries and companies, over 80% of the world still allows animals, including rabbits and guinea pigs, to be used in cruel experiments. In a global market it is important that all countries ban the practice to avoid testing simply moving around the world to those countries with no effective laws.

Established by the BUAV with corporate headquarters in London, UK, Cruelty Free International has partnered with NEAVS (the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, a U.S. national 501 (c) 3 not for profit based in Boston, MA) to launch the U.S. Cruelty Free International office. Dr. Theodora Capaldo, Ed.D., President of NEAVS, will be representing this effort in the U.S. as the Cruelty Free International U.S. Executive Officer. This brings together two of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organizations in a united effort. Cruelty Free International will place the issue of animal testing on the agenda of many governments for the very first time as part of a global strategy to tackle product testing. An internationally coordinated campaign will be launched with national campaigns run from offices across the world.

Cruelty Free International U.S. Executive Officer, Dr. Capaldo, states, "We are delighted to have the support of Ricky Gervais for this exciting and dynamic organization. The time has come for an international, concerted effort to finally end animal testing for cosmetics. Cruelty Free International U.S. will lead this critical global effort here. We will work with the government, regulatory agencies and public and private companies to push for a ban on animal testing for cosmetics."

Traditionally, cosmetics have been tested on animals, although in the majority of the world such tests are not specifically required by law. To market a product a company must demonstrate its safety but this can now be done using approved non-animal tests and combinations of existing ingredients that have already been established as safe for human use. There is an increasing awareness of the pain and suffering inflicted upon animals for product testing as well as growing pressure to replace out-dated animal tests with superior non-animal methods, which are scientifically more valid and relevant to humans.

Contact: [email protected] / +44(0)-7850-510955 / +44(0)-207-6196978

Website: http://www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org

Ricky Gervais launch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYW-ZrOsZIE

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CrueltyFreeIntl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruelty-Free-International/157492274367801

SOURCE BUAV