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

LONDON, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A global pledge to ban animal testing for cosmetics will be launched today at The Body Shop stores across South Africa 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. 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, including South Africa, still allows animals to be used in cruel experiments.  Cruelty Free International works with governments, regulators, companies and partner organisations worldwide. It is placing the issue of animal testing on the agenda of many governments for the very first time as part of a global strategy to tackle cosmetics testing on animals.

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 The Body Shop stores in South Africa 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.