I'm not the kind of animal rights activist who will throw something horrible on a fur coat (although I might throw a look) or leather jacket. People wear animal products all the time, although I do have a distinct dislike for fur because the animals are not used for food - they are simply bred for something unnecessary to wear - all in the name of couture, and their deaths are quite brutal.
I chose to stop eating or wearing animals nearly two decades ago and my choice suits me well - for both health and ethical reasons. I don't sit in judgment of others who choose differently and don't try to convert every poor soul I meet. I live my life according to my personal beliefs and encourage everyone else to do the same!
There is one area that I do take issue with - and that is animal testing with regard to beauty products. Taking animal testing for medical reasons aside (and more and more proof shows it may be unnecessary and indeed, dangerous for humans) I see no reason for any animal to suffer experimentation and the pain it brings - so that I can look pretty.
Regulatory agencies do NOT require any kind of animal testing for a beauty product to be approved for use on humans.
Don't get me wrong - I like to look good. But not at the expense of dogs, cats and rabbits (in particular) who have gallons of alcohol forced into their bellies and toxins injected directly into their eyes - in order for beauty products to be "hypo allergenic" or "tested and approved". Lethal dosages of poisons are common in animal testing, in order to see how long an animal can live until the poison kills it.
Graphic? Yes - very. Animal testing is still used by many cosmetic companies and as well as being inhumane - it's useless. We are not rabbits, dogs or cats. Their reactions to poisons and toxics are not the same as ours.
If you would like a list of cosmetic companies that do not test on animals - click on these links:
http://www.astrostar.com/DO-NOT-Test.htm
http://search.caringconsumer.com/
For cruelty free companies that make animal foods:
http://www.iamscruelty.com/notTested.asp
For companies that currently test on animals:
http://www.tagnwag.com/testsonnanimals.html
There are HUNDREDS of companies that do not test on animals!
Please note - products that say "This finished product is not tested on animals" does not mean much. The ingredients that make the finished products probably have been tested on animals. Make sure labels say that neither the ingredients or finished product have been tested.
No-one should have to suffer so that we look good.
Tell Us
How do you feel about animal testing on cosmetics? Do you check the product for animal testing information before you buy it?