Cruelty Free International connects with Body Shop in animal testing ban

A global pledge to ban animal testing for cosmetics will be launched today at The Body Shop stores in Malta 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.

Although there has been a ban on conducting animal tests for cosmetics in the European Union since 2009, cosmetics tested on animals outside the EU can still be sold. A sales ban that would prevent this is due to come into effect in 2013, but this could now be delayed by up to ten years. If that happens, tens of thousands of animals could continue to die in cruel cosmetics tests for beauty products sold in the EU.

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 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 Malta and online at www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org.