Cruelty Free International to Connect with The Body Shop Customers to Call for a Ban on Cosmetics Testing on Animals Worldwide

LONDON, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A global pledge to ban animal testing for cosmetics will be launched today at over 300 The Body Shop stores in the UK, and will roll out over the coming weeks 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. The Body Shop customers in countries including the USA, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Mexico and Saudi Arabia will have the opportunity to sign a pledge in-store.

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, the first organisation and global campaign dedicated to ending cosmetics testing on animals throughout the world, was launched on March 17^th with the support of Ricky Gervais, Ambassador of the organisation.  

Established by the BUAV, one of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organisations, 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 of 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 currently available in all The Body Shop stores in the UK, and online at http://www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CrueltyFreeIntl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrueltyFreeInternational

For further information: Fleur Dawes media@crueltyfreeinternational.org or +44(0)7850-510-955 or +44(0)207-619-6978.