PETA's Guide to Compassionate Living

Animals used in travelling acts like circuses and petting zoos are carted from one town to the next and treated like nothing more than “equipment”. They have no control over any aspect of their lives – their Animal-Free Entertainment

In 2013, people all over Europe celebrated when the ban on animal testing for cosmetics came into full force in the European Union. But now it turns out that animals are still being poisoned and killed in tests for cosmetics ingredients in the EU – even though shelves are already overflowing with make-up, moisturisers, and shampoos and reliable non-animal testing methods exist for new ingredients. Under the guise of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, the European Commission (EC) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) are still insisting on using animals to test chemical ingredients in cosmetics for which there is a possibility of workforce exposure during the manufacturing process. Despite the clear mandate from the public and international governments on this issue, the regulatory authorities’ flawed interpretation of the law means that animals continue to die in tests for cosmetics ingredients. The law is clear – the safety of cosmetics ingredients must be assured through the use of humane, non-animal methods. Such test methods exist and are in use, so it’s outrageous that EC and ECHA officials have failed to mandate them for cosmetics ingredients or under any circumstances! With the arrival of the testing and marketing ban, the cosmetics industry witnessed great progress in the development of superior, human-relevant, non-animal test methods. PETA helped fund the validation of a skin allergy test for cosmetics, which can be used to replace tests on guinea pigs. The EpiDerm™ test has also been approved as a completely humane replacement for the skin irritation test that has maimed and killed so many millions of terrified rabbits. And rabbits may be spared notorious eye irritation tests by using a collection of non-animal tests approved by the regulatory agencies. Now that they’ve been developed, these non-animal tests can also be used within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, thereby playing a role in ending animal tests for household cleaners, pesticides, and other products. One ban implemented within the EU has the potential to end the suffering and deaths of many animals around the world. Cruelty-Free Products

© PETA US

eating and sleeping schedules are dictated by handlers, and they aren’t allowed to engage in any natural behaviour, such as socialising, roaming, and foraging. Many become listless, sick, and depressed. Animals in stationary exhibits, too, like zoos and aquariums, are denied everything that is natural and important to them. They’re housed in cages or tanks that don’t even come close to the jungles, deserts, forests, and oceans that are their rightful homes. Species that naturally roam over many miles are confined to mere square metres. Birds are denied water. They have no choice in their diets, mates, or living companions. The physical and mental frustrations of captivity often lead to abnormal, neurotic, and even self-destructive behaviour. Illegal and neglectful conditions for animals are common among animal exhibitors, who view the animals only as a means to make a profit. Not only do exotic species suffer in the entertainment industry, domesticated animals, too, can experience stress and anxiety when hauled around in lorries and trailers and forced to participate in situations that are unfamiliar or frightening to them. free flight, and aquatic animals live in concrete tanks filled with chemically treated

© PETA US

Until the ban on cosmetics testing on animals is upheld in its entirety, you can choose to avoid supporting cruel tests by purchasing only from those companies that have pledged not to test ingredients or products on animals. Please see PETA.org.uk for more information on non-animal test methods, cruelty-free products, and tips on how

to avoid supporting cruel experiments on animals.

Please avoid any entertainment that involves live animals. See PETA.org.uk for more information.