Thaindian News

Mumbai, July 9 (IANS) Veteran singer Sir Paul McCartney is supporting India’s Be Cruelty-Free campaign initiated by Humane Society International (HSI) to end animal testing for cosmetics worldwide.

“The ugly truth about testing beauty products on animals is that it causes them unimaginable pain and suffering. If every cosmetic tested on rabbits or mice had a photo on the packaging showing these animals with weeping swollen eyes and inflamed skin, I believe everyone would leave cruelty on the shelf and go for the cruelty-free option instead,” McCartney said in a statement.

Animal testing for cosmetics such as lipsticks, hair sprays and moisturisers is banned across the European Union but is still permitted in most countries around the world.

“We are thrilled to have Sir Paul’s support for our Be Cruelty-Free campaign in India because so many consumers are still unaware that animals still suffer for cosmetics testing and that their purchasing choices can make a difference to animals,” said N.G. Jayasimha, India campaign manager for HSI.

In India, while animal testing is not expressly required by law, animals continue to be subjected to cosmetics suffering. In some regions, including China and parts of South America, such testing is even required by law, Jayasimha said.

In many countries, animals such as rabbits, mice and guinea pigs continue to have cosmetic chemicals dripped in their eyes, spread on their sensitive skin or injected into their blood.

Such testing is already banned in Europe, and a further ban on the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals in other parts of the world is due to come into effect in March 2013.

The campaign has been launched in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, New Zealand and the United States. In India, Be Cruelty-Free is coordinated by Humane Society International/India and Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO).