An End To Cosmetic Tests On Animals

Animal rights and welfare organisations have at last joined together to protest at the use of animals in cosmetic tests. Over three thousand marched in Brussels at the time of the cosmetics directive underway.

For two years the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) has carried out extensive lobbying in Europe and to our own MEP's. AII the indications are that a majority of MEP's will support us when the European Parliament votes on the matter. However, the cosmetics industry, especially L'oreal are lobbying hard against any restrictions on torture tests on animals.

The directive then moves on to the European Commission before going to the council of ministers. This is a time when everybody will be needed to let their views known.

The Council of Ministers is made up of representative ministers from twelve member states. For the UK this is Peter Lilley, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. He will be casting Britain's vote and he must be made aware of the strength of the public's feelings. Please write to him to demand he votes for a ban.

For the first time, we have victory in our sights. We must keep up the pressure to ensure that no animal in Europe need ever suffer again for the sake of vanity.

Whereas the testing of cosmetics on animals is predominantly an animal rights issue: the wider question of the necessity of cosmetics in our society, which are so exploitative of the Earth's natural resources, should be answered as the cry of Earth First! should always be priority.

Contact: BARC, PO BOX 307, Ship Street, Brighton.