Cruelty Free International Connects With The Body Shop Customers Across the World to Call for a ban on Animal Testing for Cosmetics

LONDON, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A global pledge to ban animal testing for cosmetics will be launched today at over 145 The Body Shop stores across the Gulf, as part of a campaign by Cruelty Free International the first global organisation dedicated to ending the use of animals to test cosmetics products throughout the world.

The global pledge will be available at The Body Shop stores in 65 countries across the world. It is the largest and most ambitious campaign ever to seek a global ban on the use of animals to test cosmetics.

In addition to engaging with the estimated 275 million people a year who visit The Body Shop stores, Cruelty Free International will also be linking to The Body Shop websites, which host millions of customers annually.

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 to be used in cruel experiments. Cruelty Free International works with governments, regulators, companies and partner organisations worldwide. The pledge calls upon the world to end cosmetics testing on animals, aiming to raise awareness of the issue in the Gulf Region and build dialogue with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Paul McGreevy, International Values and R&D Director of The Body Shop, said: "The Body Shop believes passionately that no animal should be harmed due to the demands of governments and regulators around the world.  We have a long commitment to this cause, and unfortunately many people believe this issue is resolved and it is not. We are very proud to support Cruelty Free International's campaign to achieve a worldwide ban on animal testing and encourage everyone to sign their pledge in our stores!"

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive, Cruelty Free International, said: "The Body Shop has been internationally renowned for its Against Animal Testing stance right from the very start. It has led the way with their efforts to bring an end to animal testing, and Cruelty Free International is delighted that The Body Shop is supporting us with our ground breaking campaign."

The pledge will be available in all The Body Shop stores in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman and online http://www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org

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Contact media@crueltyfreeinternational.org or +44(0)7850-510-955