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Contributed by the BUAV

Success for BUAV as Government pledges to ban the cruel use of animals in household product testing

After years of political and public campaigning, the BUAV’s (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) efforts have finally paid off. The new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition has included a pledge on banning the cruel and unnecessary use of animals in household product testing in their joint plans for government. This is a major achievement for the BUAV and represents a significant step forward in placing animal testing firmly on the political agenda. The ban was one of the few animal welfare pledges made by the coalition and the BUAV will be working closely with them to make sure it’s introduced as soon as possible.

Currently in the UK, animals can be used in experiments to develop and test products such as washing-up liquid, laundry detergent, furniture polish and air freshener. Such experiments include toxicity tests where animals may be force-fed high doses of substances or have a chemical rubbed into their shaved backs. The effects can be appalling and include vomiting, seizures, internal bleeding and organ damage. Even when the test is not fatal, animals are routinely killed afterwards.

The BUAV runs an internationally recognised humane standard which allows consumers to purchase cosmetic, toiletry and household products that have not been tested on animals. All you need to do is look out for BUAV’s ‘Leaping Bunny’ symbol.

Major retailers like the Co-operative, M&S and Superdrug have already proved that we simply don’t need to test household products on animals to ensure their quality and safety.

The BUAV is now meeting with MPs and will be pushing our message at upcoming party conferences to mobilise support and get this ban implemented as quickly as possible.

For a full list of BUAV Approved cosmetic and household products visit: www.gocrueltyfree.org. You can also find Suma’s range of BUAV Approved toiletry products here.

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