news release
 EU swamped with protests over danger to animal-tested cosmetics ban
Last November, Uncaged launched an urgent response to the threat to the ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics in Europe, which is due to come into force in 2013.
Stopping cosmetics companies like Procter & Gamble from selling animal-tested products in the world's most lucrative market will create a huge incentive for them to make the effort to develop full non-animal replacements for what are incredibly cruel and unreliable animal tests. In turn this will mean a major shift away from animal testing in relation to all chemicals. So this really is a pivotal battle that could save millions of animals in the future!
Thankfully, we received a tremendous response to our call for help in securing this historic milestone in the battle against cruelty. It's meant we've been able to coordinate a campaign which has empowered citizens to tell members of the European Parliament that the 2013 ban must be honoured. Large numbers of compassionate citizens have contributed to the European Commission’s public consultation on this and have urged their MEPs to support the 2013 ban. This has had a major impact.
According to the European Commission, the public consultation prompted 'a very large number of general comments expressing opposition to a postponement of the [2013] implementation date'. Many MEPs have also been spurred to write to the Commission to state their support for 2013 implementation, with several more tabling Parliamentary Questions to intensify the pressure. Some have incorporated our arguments into their own public statements on the issue, which is a rare and very positive sign of how influential we’ve been in this debate.
As things currently stand, we are seeing an increasing number of MEPs say they will vote against any proposal to defer the ban. The momentum seems to be swinging in the direction of decency and compassion!
We are waiting with baited breath to see whether the Commission heeds public opinion and proposes to enforce the 2013 ban - or caves into big business and proposes a delay. I'm currently working in conjunction with other animal protection groups to lobby MEPs as well as urging the UK Government to support the ban, as they will have some influence over the outcome.
You can use this template letter. If you are in the UK you can find out who your MEPs are here and then find their contact details here.
Dan Lyons, Uncaged Campaigns 28.02.11 |
