Animal Testing : Testing the limits of human cruelty
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Animal testing is a practice still used widely throughout the world to determine the safety of many ingredients used in consumer products and medications. The practice involves using animals to research the effects of potential ingredients and subjects them to harmful and often lethal experiments.
Despite policies and guidelines in place to reduce the suffering of these animals, how can any level of suffering be acceptable?
The unquestionable harm, cruelty and abuse caused by animal testing is inhumane and for a caring consumer, intolerable.
As a society there are many ways we contribute negatively to the lives of animals, both wild and domestic. Where do we draw the line? Animal cruelty in any form cannot be considered ethical or acceptable.
It is true that many ingredients found in our products have been, at some stage of their development, tested on animals. And admittedly when looking at the use of animal tested ingredients in the medical industry it would be very hard to avoid a product that has not caused harm to an animal through testing or research.
But, there has been much development into alternative testing methods and thankfully many companies are beginning to see the very real negative impact and intolerable cruelty this practice inflicts on animals.
The types of animals used in testing and research include frogs, fish, mice, rats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, farm animals (such as pigs and sheep), dogs, primates, and cats. The majority of animals are euthanised during or after the experiments or are killed through lethal dosage.
Always look for products that state they are “cruelty free” or “not tested on animals”.
Alternative products are readily available so why contribute to animal cruelty when you can say no to the companies that still choose to allow the suffering and ultimate death of animals for unnecessary human benefit.
Look for certified cruelty free products when you purchase cosmetics, personal care products and household cleaners and detergents.
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
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