Pledge to choose cruelty-free products.

Cosmetic testing bans exist in many places, including Australia, yet animals are still used in painful ‘toxicity’ tests for new medicines, pesticides, cleaning products and everyday household items.

And because Australia still allows the sale of products that were tested on animals overseas, many items on our shelves will have a history of animal suffering behind them.

Even companies that appear cruelty-free may not be, as many — including Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive — continue to allow animal testing in countries where it is required by law.

Animals used for toxicity tests are routinely poisoned, burnt and killed in the attempt to measure the toxicity of the chemicals that make up cosmetics, cleaning products, drugs, pesticides, foods, and even packing materials.

In laboratories around the world, animals may be:

• forced to swallow or inhale chemicals

• exposed to substances that can burn or irritate their skin and eyes

• dosed repeatedly to find the level that becomes toxic

• killed at the end of the test so their organs can be examined

The pain from such tests can be excruciating, yet animals are often not given pain relief, as easing the suffering of the animals can ‘interfere’ with results.

By signing this pledge you’re taking a stand for a future defined by kindness, not cruelty. Here are some other practical things you can do:

• As a consumer: do not buy cosmetics or toiletries that have been tested on animals, or have animal-based ingredients. Cruelty Free International has a great list of cruelty-free products to help you shop kindly.
• As a donor: if you wish to donate to a charity, ensure it is not one that supports the use of animals in research. See the list of charities that have adopted a ‘no animal testing’ policy.
• As a student: advise your teacher and/or your school/institution that you will not partake in the use of animals in classes, and encourage them to adopt non-animal alternatives in their teaching. Visit Interniche — a great organisation dedicated to the adoption of humane education techniques, and including some great resources. Also download the free Learning Without Killing: A Guide to Conscientious Objection mini-book.
• As a community member: educate yourself about the ethical and scientific aspects of animal use in research and teaching, and then ensure you let our elected leaders know of your views. For further information on these issues visit the Animal-free Science Advocacy website.
• Learn more about animal testing and share what you learn with family and friends.