You may think that testing on animals is harmless, right? Since we put the products on ourselves, it’s probably fine to put on animals, too. However, the process of animal testing is not so simple. Animals get put through many harmful and unnecessary tests.
In 2020, there are many better and more eco-friendly alternatives to animal testing, so companies that are still doing it, are doing it by choice.
Here are some reasons to make the switch to cruelty-free products today and how to do it.
How to Find Cruelty-Free Products
It’s not hard to find cruelty-free products these days. All you have to do is look for the Leaping Bunny logo on the back of the product. You can also find lists of cruelty-free companies online. A cruelty-free makeup brand will post on their website that they don’t do any testing on animals.
Living cruelty-free is easier now than it’s ever been! Going with cruelty-free brands may cost you a little more upfront. Going with cheaper brands may save you a few dollars, but at what cost?
Animal Testing Is Crueler Than You Think
Animals that are subjected to animal testing are bred for that purpose. They know no other life. In addition to that sad existence, they are blinded, maimed, hurt, and finally, discarded (namely: killed).
These animals live a life of anxiety, fear, and pain. They are injected with chemicals and force-fed harmful substances. Their organs can even be removed to cause damage to the tissue. These animals are forced to live in cages their entire lives, and typically, they don’t live very long.
There Are Alternatives to Animal Testing
On the outside, it sounds like a noble goal: animal testing is good because it ensures humans aren’t harmed by chemicals! However, with the advances in technology, animal testing isn’t necessary anymore. In-vitro testing is advantageous over animal testing, as well as cell tissue cultures and computer-based models.
This goes to show that animal testing is a choice at this point and a cruel one at that. Animal testing is more “affordable” for companies, which is why it is still being chosen as a method of experimentation.
There Are Already Plenty of Proven Safe Products
There exists a list of over 7,000 ingredients that are already proven to be safe and harmless to humans. Companies can choose from this list of ingredients to come up with new products. As you can imagine, the combinations with 7,000 ingredients are infinite!
At this point, companies that choose to continue to conduct animal testing are trying to come up with “innovative” products to rev up profit, while keeping a low production cost. It’s not necessary and merely speaks to how unethical and the process is.
Laboratory Animals Aren’t Even Classified as Animals
Would it surprise you to know that lab rats, bunnies, cats, and dogs don’t have the same rights as domesticated animals? “Pets” have protection from abuse, but under laboratory laws, none of these rules apply. Lab animals can be subjected to almost any type of treatment. Even breeds of dogs that are typically domesticated (like beagles) can be used for animal testing and have no protective rights.
Vote with Your Money
The only language the industry seems to understand is the language of money. By boycotting brands that support animal cruelty, they will eventually get the message and make the switch or crumble. Although you may think that you’re “just one person” making a chance, movements are begun by the fearless voice of the individual! If you follow a cause you believe in, others will follow as well.
