YOU may think animal testing for cosmetics is no longer an issue in Britain. You may also think very few animals are subjected to these cruel and unnecessary tests now.

You'd be wrong! Up to 40,000 animals die every year in Europe alone at the hands of the cosmetics industry. Thousands more suffer in countries such as Japan and the USA. Ingredients tested on mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs are now part of the 'dazzling' new cosmetic ranges on British shop shelves. We are still paying for their suffering.

The UK has ended animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients. However, this has not stopped the animal suffering involved but simply displaced animal testing abroad. This could all change with your help.

In April, Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of both an animal testing ban for cosmetics and a sale ban on new animal tested products throughout Europe. This is potentially great news for animals but there is still much to do before this becomes law. Another European institution, the Council of Ministers, must also debate it, before the European Parliament is given a second chance to vote later this year. They come under intense pressure from much of the cosmetics industry that wants to hold on to animal testing at all costs, but the Parliament does listen to public opinion.

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection urgently needs help to support a Europewide petition urging MEPs to vote for a testing and sale ban. We plan to hand in the petitions at the door of the European Parliament in time for the second vote. Animal testing for cosmetics is outrageous but with your help we can end it. Join our campaign and contact us for a petition. Call 020 7700 4888

Della Green

BUAV

16a Crane Grove

London

N7 8NN

Email: info@buav.org