Vanessa-Mae Launches Cruelty Free International as New Global Ambassador

Vanessa-Mae Launches Cruelty Free International as New Global Ambassador

LONDON, June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --



International superstar violinist, Vanessa-Mae, has announced her new role as global
ambassador to the world's leading organisation campaigning to end animal experiments. The
launch of Cruelty Free International took place today at a news conference in London and
was attended by Vanessa-Mae who spoke passionately about her commitment to ending animal
suffering.



(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834 )




(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150601/747597 )




Vanessa-Mae stated: "As the new global ambassador for Cruelty Free International, I am
dedicated to using my passion to stand up for animals in laboratories. It is
heart-breaking that over 100 million animals suffer and die in experiments around the
world every year. But we can make the difference. Please join me in calling on the world's
leaders to have the courage to do the right thing for animals. Together, we can make the
world cruelty free."



Michelle Thew, Chief Executive stated: "Cruelty Free International is delighted to
welcome Vanessa-Mae as our global ambassador. We estimate that on average at least 115
million animals are used and killed in experiments worldwide every year so the need for a
global organisation working solely on this issue has never been greater."



Cruelty Free International is widely respected as an authority on animal testing and
combines award-winning campaigning, political lobbying, pioneering investigations,
scientific and legal expertise and corporate responsibility to be the voice for animals in
laboratories across the globe. The organisation's remit includes exposing the reality of
life for animals in laboratories, challenging decision-makers to make a positive
difference for animals, and championing better science and cruelty free living.



June 1st marks the coming together of BUAV and Cruelty Free International under one
name to increase our reach to be the voice for animals in laboratories worldwide. The BUAV
is one of the world's oldest animal protection organisations. With a history rooted in the
early social justice movement, the organisation was established in the UK in 1898 by
women's rights campaigner and philanthropist, Frances Power Cobbe.



During its 117 year history, the organisation has successfully campaigned to:



- Ban animal testing for new cosmetics and those sold in the UK and the EU. Since
2013, its global campaign to end cosmetics tests on animals is rapidly gaining momentum.



- Launch the Leaping Bunny programme - the internationally recognised no animal
testing certification for cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products - which certifies
leading household names including Marks & Spencer, The Co-operative, Waitrose, Superdrug
and over 600 other companies.



- Ban the cruel LD50 oral toxicity tests in the UK, in which animals could be force
fed chemicals until 50% of them died.



- Ban the use of wild-caught monkeys in UK laboratories. The organisation has been
instrumental in exposing the international trade in primates for research.



- Save thousands of animals from testing under REACH, Europe's chemical testing
regime.



- Inspire generations of politicians, decision-makers and compassionate people to make
a difference for animals in experiments.



Contact: Martin Mallon, media@crueltyfreeinternational.org / +44-(0)7557-868705
http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org






Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834



http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150601/747597


Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150601/747597
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Cruelty Free International


-------
Profile: intent