Let’s make earth a safe place for animals too

Cruelty-free products are those that are not manufactured through harmful tests on animals but rather in a humane manner. The term cruelty-free was first used in 1959 by Lady Dowding who convinced her fellow business-heads to use fake furs instead of animal furs and then went on to launch her own cruelty-free brand ‘Beauty Without Cruelty.’

Lab tests on animals are prohibited and considered illegal in most parts of the world, however, there are still some places that continue with this heinous practice to a highly serious level where the animals end up giving their lives.

Over the years, many alternatives to animal testing have been found. Two eminent scientists, Charles Hume and WMS Russell in their book named ‘Principles of Humane Experimental Technique’ had introduced the world to three Rs, namely - Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, as the ways to reduce animal cruelty. Advancement of computer technology has furthered this cause as it helps separate tissues or organs for tests in the labs – without resorting to animal cruelty. These methods are not only environment-friendly but are also cost-effective and generate far more accurate results.

People tend to often confuse between vegan and cruelty-free products. Well, for starters, they aren’t the same. Vegan only guarantees that the product doesn’t contain animal ingredients but it still may have been tested on animals. On the other hand, most cruelty-free products aren’t results of harmful experiments on animal and neither have ingredients from them.

Many animals’ right movements like PETA have their custom-made campaigns like ‘Beauty Without Bunnies’ Programme whose members sign legally-binding documents ensuring manufacturing of cruelty-free products. In fact, an Indian government initiative called the ‘Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals’ is also responsible for ensuring protection of the animals. The US body called Humane Society International is the largest animal-protection organization in the world with more than 12 million supporters worldwide.