Tag Archives: animal testing

Peter Dinklage joins Cruelty Free International to call for US ban on animal testing

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Peter Dinklage is photographed for Cruelty Free International, sending an appeal across the U.S. to support the global organization committed to ending cosmetic tests on animals

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Following Europe’s cosmetics animal test ban in March, Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor Peter Dinklage has become an ambassador for Cruelty Free International to call for an end to cosmetics tests on animals in the USA, as part of the non-profit’s mission to end product testing on animals worldwide.
Peter Dinklage, known for his show-stealing role as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones states: “I am so pleased to support Cruelty Free International and be part of the global campaign to end cosmetics tests on animals. 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.”

Peter posed in a Cruelty Free International t-shirt to raise awareness of the continued cruel use of animals to test everyday beauty products and toiletries from soap to toothpaste.

 

Peter Dinklage joins Cruelty Free International celebrity supporters Joss Stone and Global Ambassador Ricky Gervais, who starred in a video launching the global organization last year

 

Animal tests involve rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats who can be injected, gassed, force-fed and killed for cosmetics. Animal tests for new cosmetics are now banned in the European Union and in March, new animal tests for every cosmetic product to be sold in Europe were also brought to an end. This significant historical milestone was achieved after over twenty years of campaigning by Cruelty Free International’s founding organization, the BUAV.

 

Peter Dinklage and Cruelty Free International are joining forces to bring about a ban in the U.S., following Europe’s lead and moving the U.S. off the global list of countries that still allow animals to be used in painful and fatal test to develop beauty products.

 

www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/en/around-the-world/usa

350,000 Signatures Collected To Support Animals.

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‘White Rabbits’ Deliver Petition To European Commissioner John Dalli Urging EU-Wide Sales Ban on Animal-Tested Cosmetics

Humane Society International and LUSH Cosmetics Collect 350,000 Signatures In Support Of a Cruelty-Free Europe by 2013

Twenty-seven ‘white rabbits’ descended on Brussels to deliver a 350,000-signature petition to John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, to help end the suffering of animals used to test cosmetics sold in the European Union. Dressed in white-rabbit costumes, the petitioners, each representing one of the 27 EU Member States, are part of Humane Society International’s campaign to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics by 2013.

HSI teamed up with global cosmetics retailer LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics to collect the signatures from consumers eager to see an end to cosmetics cruelty. Celebrities such as Leona Lewis, Ricky Gervais, Ke$ha, Melanie C, Mary McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Sir Roger Moore, Virginia McKenna and Brigitte Bardot are amongst the petition signatories.

The EU banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2009, but ingredients can still be tested on animals in other countries such as Brazil, China and the United States and then be added to cosmetic products sold in EU shops. A ban on selling these animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013. As the EU is the world’s largest market for cosmetics sales, the ban would create a major financial incentive for cosmetic companies to stop animal testing. However, Commissioner Dalli is considering a proposal that would undermine the ban by giving cosmetics companies a loophole to continue profiting from animal suffering.

“Our rabbits are bringing a heartfelt message to Commissioner Dalli about animal-tested cosmetics sold in Europe: Animals are dying because Europe is buying. We and hundreds of thousands of consumers are calling on EU policy makers to keep their promise to stop the suffering by banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in 2013,” said Emily McIvor, EU senior policy adviser for HSI/Europe. “Let’s close Europe’s doors to cosmetics suffering and ensure that the EU goes cruelty-free.”

Humane Society International’s bid to ban animal-tested cosmetics in Europe is part of its global Be Cruelty-Free campaign which aims to end cosmetics animal testing worldwide. LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics supports the campaign and helped to collect petition signatures throughout its EU stores. Representatives of LUSH have written to Commissioner Dalli refuting the case made by some cosmetics companies that the ban would harm commercial interests.

“LUSH is a highly successful global cosmetics retailer making tens of thousands of innovative beauty products each year, sold in 48 countries through our 700 stores, and we have never needed or wanted to test on animals because thousands of ingredients that are already known to be safe are available,” said Hilary Jones, ethics director at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. “I cannot imagine why any company anywhere would want to cause animal suffering when making quality, safe, cruelty-free products is so easy. Our customers want to buy cruelty-free cosmetics, and we are delighted to respond to that clear customer demand.”

In cosmetics testing, animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and hamsters are force-fed cosmetic products and ingredients, or have them dripped into their eyes or on to their skin. In some cases, animals are chemically overdosed to the point of death or chemicals are fed to pregnant mothers to see the effect on their unborn babies.

Check out hsi.org/becrueltyfree for campaign news and cruelty-free consumer advice.

X Factor’s Louis Walsh Joins Humane Society International Campaign To End Animal Testing

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X Factor’s Louis Walsh Joins Humane Society International Campaign To End Animal Testing for Cosmetics

Star adds name to charity’s 142,000-strong petition

X Factor judge and music manager Louis Walsh is the latest celebrity to speak out against testing cosmetics on animals as part of Humane Society International’s star-studded CrueltyFree2013 campaign.

Louis joins stars such as Leona Lewis, Sir Roger Moore, Ke$ha, Ricky Gervais, Melanie C, Dame Judi Dench and Mary McCartney in signing HSI’s petition to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Europe. More than 142,000 consumers have also signed the petition. With a ban in place, any cosmetics tested on animals after 2013 would be banned from EU shop shelves.

Louis Walsh said:

“Animal testing is the ugly face of the beauty industry and I want it to stop, now! Animals deserve our respect and compassion, and as they can’t speak up for themselves I’m speaking up for them by signing Humane Society International’s CrueltyFree2013 petition for an end to animal-tested cosmetics. Let’s take the cruelty out of beauty.”

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned across the UK and European Union, but ingredients can still be tested on animals in other countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States and then sold in EU shops. Animals can have chemicals forced down their throat, dripped in their eyes and applied to their skin. Sometimes pregnant females and their unborn babies are exposed to cosmetic chemicals.

A ban on selling these animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013 and would act as a major financial incentive for companies to kick their animal testing habit. However, the European Commission is now considering a proposal that would give cosmetic companies a loophole to continue profiting from animal suffering.

Troy Seidle, director of research & toxicology for HSI/Europe, said:

“It is shameful that in laboratories around the world animals are still suffering to produce new lipsticks and face creams sold in Europe’s shops. So we’re delighted that Louis Walsh has joined Humane Society International in calling for an end to the cruelty. Caring consumers have waited long enough, they want shop shelves to be cruelty-free by 2013 so it’s time for EU policy-makers to honour their pledge.”

HSI supports the international Leaping Bunny cruelty-free standard. Companies that carry the Leaping Bunny logo are subject to independent audits to guarantee no animal testing, and include Urban Decay, Montagne Jeunesse, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and the Co-operative. To shop cruelty-free, download our Leaping Bunny Compassionate Shopping Guide<http://www.leapingbunny.org/images/globalguide.pdf>.

To join Louis and sign the CrueltyFree2013 petition, go to Posted in Life & Style | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sienna Miller supports BUAV campaign to end cruel cosmetics tests on animals

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Stage and screen star Sienna Miller is supporting the BUAV No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to end animal testing for toiletries and cosmetics sold in the EU. Sienna joins a number of high profile celebrities supporting the BUAV campaign, including Sir Paul McCartney, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and British Actress Jenny Seagrove.

Despite a UK and EU ban on the use of animals to test cosmetics and toiletries, companies are still allowed to sell products in the EU that have been tested on animals in other parts of the world. A ban on the import and sale of new animal tested cosmetic products in the EU is due to come into effect in 2013. However, concerns have arisen that this animal testing ban may be delayed. In response, the BUAV launched the European-wide No Cruel Cosmetics campaign calling for the ban to come into effect as planned in 2013.

If the ban is delayed, animals will continue to suffer and die needlessly in cruel tests for new beauty products sold in the EU. That means that hundreds of thousands more rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats could be injected, gassed or force-fed cosmetics worldwide for new beauty products sold in the EU, including right here in the UK.

Over one hundred thousand people across the UK and EU, including Sienna, have already signed the No Cruel Cosmetics petition which is being sent to the European Parliament. The BUAV petition can be signed at www.NoCruelCosmetics.org.

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of the BUAV, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Sienna Miller. It is totally unacceptable for animals to continue to suffer and die in the name of beauty. Please join Sienna and support our No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to end cosmetics testing on animals. Sign our petition to the European Parliament at www.NoCruelCosmetics.org.”

Celebrities, politicians, cosmetic companies and European citizens are being urged to sign the Euro-wide petition calling for the animal testing ban to go ahead in 2013.

Ke$ha Joins Campaign To Ban Animal-Tested Cosmetics In Europe

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‘Animal’ Singer Ke$ha Joins Campaign To Ban Animal-Tested Cosmetics In Europe

American singer Ke$ha has joined stars Leona Lewis, Ricky Gervais, Dame Judi Dench, Mary McCartney and Melanie C, in urging EU politicians to keep their promise to ban the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals such as rabbits and hamsters [1].

The stars, and more than 60,000 compassionate consumers, have signed the CrueltyFree2013 petition organised by animal charity Humane Society International [2] urging EU politicians to make Europe a cruelty-free cosmetics zone by 2013.

Animal testing for cosmetics is banned in the UK and EU, but it is still legal to sell animal-tested products and ingredients imported from countries such as Brazil, China, Canada and the United States.

A European Union-wide ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics is due to come into force in March 2013, and could be a major step toward a global end to cosmetics animal testing. However, as the 2013 deadline approaches, the European Commission has hinted the ban may be delayed, perhaps by many years [3]. The lives of thousands of rabbits, hamsters, mice and guinea-pigs hangs in the balance.

Ke$ha signed HSI’s CrueltyFree2013 petition as her first collaboration with animal charity Humane Society International following her appointment as the charity’s first ever Global Ambassador.

Ke$ha said:
“I am honored to be the first HSI Global Ambassador because my music is inspired by the freedom and primal beauty of animals and the natural world. I take this opportunity incredibly seriously because we are ALL animals. One of the main underlying sentiments of my music is to respect all living creatures just as they are. I believe that together, we can change laws that allow innocent animals to be unjustly mistreated and abused all over the world.”

Ke$ha’s goal is to help HSI promote respect, protection, and compassion for animals around the world. Her record of musical success is impressive – her hit “TiK ToK” was the biggest-selling digital track in the world in 2010 and her “Animal” album has already sold over 2 million units worldwide. She’s racked up a number of prestigious award nominations, and took home a 2010 MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act.

Readers can join Ke$ha in signing the CrueltyFree2013 petition at www.hsi.org/crueltyfree2013

HSI is part of the international ‘Leaping Bunny’ cruelty-free standard. Approved brands are independently audited to guarantee no animal testing and include Urban Decay, Hard Candy, Montagne Jeunesse, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Superdrug. To shop cruelty-free download our Leaping Bunny Compassionate Shopping Guide at http://www.leapingbunny.org/images/globalguide.pdf

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Film Review

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The Planet of the Apes is a franchise that has been going strong since I was a kid. Actually, the original was one of my favourite films.

With scientists admitting that they were doing tests on monkeys, and fresh Daily Mail worries about animal/human hybrid experiments, it makes it all the more real and scary.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes has the amazingly talented Andy Serkis as Caesar, and what a performance.

In support, James Franco plays Will Rodman, whose father, played by John Lithgow, has Alzheimers. Rodman tries desperately to cure his father and the key lies in Caesar who receives an amazing amount of intelligence and self awareness due to the the drug ALZ 112 previously injected into his mother. But the drug doesn’t get funded after Caesar’s mother seemingly turns violent and is killed.

But it’s Serkis’ Caesar who steals the film. We see him unsure of his place in the world, missing his family, feeling different, like an outsider and wondering why his kind are treated differently. Andy Serkis should be allowed the Oscar.

This film has been a runway success so far, taking $54.8m in its opening weekend. Deservedly too. It is a good film, lots of action, well acted and you care for the characters. ‘Rise’ is timely and good entertainment. In short, I recommend it for a perfect fun night out while definitely giving you something to think about over your post-film pizza.

Raw Skin Food Spa at Ivo Venturi.

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World renowned Beauty Medi Spa Owner Ivo Venturi, with over 30 years experience in the spa industry has welcomed Award Nominated 100% Allergen Free Ethical skincare brand, Raw Skin Food into its chic medi spa, situated in the opulent Knightsbridge opposite Harvey Nichols, on Sloane St.

As someone with a history of  bad skin in the past I am very careful with what I put on my skin. I once read that a women puts over 200 chemicals on her face a day. Do we really need all of these chemicals in our skin products? No, we don’t. And why put alcohol in them, it dehydrates! This is why I am now such a fan of Raw Skin Food. I had an Avocado facial and it looked like I was wearing very good foundation.  They now have a life long fan. I just can’t complement them enough.

Raw Skin Food’s Founder, Ethical Beauty Entrepreneur & Vegan Raw Foodist, Clare Eluka, is proud of the partnership with the spa:
‘This truly is the future of contemporary spa and treatments. Our ethos is sumptuous, healthy and ethically sound. By using living natural ingredients present in our products including Mangoes, Brown Rice and Cocoa in their rawest and freshest form, our clients will experience the truest and purest epitome of ‘Raw Skin Food’. By being a leader of the new school of spa, women and men can look to us for 100% Allergen Free treatments that will only enhance the natural beauty from the outside in by eating, drinking & applying fruit & veg to the skin.’

The beauty products are hand made, not tested on animals and don’t have any chemicals in them. They are so pure that you can actually eat them! So if you want to treat yourself and go to the spa, do, but if not; then definitely try their products. They are reasonably prices and worth every penny.

5 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 9LA