Cruelty Free International Connects With The Body Shop Customers in Australia to Call for a Ban on Cosmetics Testing on Animals Worldwide

LONDON, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A global pledge to ban animal testing for cosmetics has been launched by The Body Shop in Australia 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 promoted by The Body Shop stores in 65 countries. It is the largest and most ambitious campaign ever to seek a global ban on the use of animals to test cosmetics.

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 to place the issue of animal testing on the agenda of many governments for the first time.

In Australia, there is no formal ban on using animals for cosmetics testing, nor is there a prohibition on Australian companies testing ingredients on animals overseas. States do have differing regulations that govern the nature and use of animal tests. However, Cruelty Free International is working to achieve a clear national ban on animal testing for cosmetics to ensure that Australia formally prohibits this practice nationwide.

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 Cruelty Free International pledge is available in-store in Australia and online at http://www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org

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Contact: media@crueltyfreeinternational.org or +44(0)-7850-510-955 or +44-(0)207-619-6978.