Cruelty Free International, the global non-profit organization dedicated to ending cosmetics testing on animals worldwide, has been joined by celebrities Chrissie Hynde, Twiggy, Jenny Seagrove, Kimberly Wyatt and Joanna Lumley, to celebrate the end of cosmetics testing on animals in Europe.
“Cruelty-free beauty is here in the EU at last!” said Joanna Lumley. “I have been calling for this day with Cruelty Free International (BUAV) since 1991. Well done Cruelty Free International for your tireless work in the EU to end the terrible practice of testing cosmetics on animals.”
The final phase of the 7th amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive, which is set to come into force on 11th March 2013, will mean that new cosmetic products and ingredients on sale in the EU will not be tested on animals anywhere in the world. The ban will affect all cosmetics including all toiletries and beauty products, from soap to toothpaste. This historic achievement is the culmination of over 20 years of campaigning spearheaded by the BUAV, founder of Cruelty Free International.
“I am proud to have supported Cruelty Free International (BUAV) throughout this significant campaign to end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the EU,” said Twiggy.
“I have always supported the work of Cruelty Free International (BUAV) to end cosmetics testing on animals and I am delighted to be a part of this historic event,” added Jenny Seagrove. “Congratulations to Cruelty Free International for securing this victory for animals!”
Over the years, the campaign to end cosmetics testing on animals has received overwhelming support from a host of high profile celebrities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Ricky Gervais, Morrissey, Sienna Miller, Joss Stone, Jude Law, Dannii Minogue, The Levellers, Annie Lennox, Toyah Wilcox, Alexei Sayle, Gillian Taylforth, Andrew Sachs and Sadie Frost.
“I joined with Cruelty Free International (BUAV) to speak out against animal cosmetics testing in 1996,” said Chrissie Hynde. “I am thrilled to hear this great news for animals and congratulate Cruelty Free International for their hard work and determination to make this happen, and the EU for doing the right thing by the animals and putting the humanity into beauty.”
In 2012, the BUAV established Cruelty Free International, the first global organization dedicated to ending cosmetics animal testing worldwide. Shockingly over 80% of the world still allows animal testing for cosmetics. Cruelty Free International works with governments, regulators, companies and partner organisations and has placed 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 on animals. Cruelty Free International will apply its determination and vision on a global stage to repeat its success in Europe across the world.
“WE DID IT!!!” said Kimberly Wyatt. “It took 20 years but as of March 11, 2013 testing cosmetic products on animals will be banned in the EU! We’ve done all we could here at Beautiful Movements Cosmetics to help fight for that change and now that it is happening we feel elated! Time to celebrate our furry friends’ victory!”
