Simon Cowell, Vanessa-Mae & Julian Clary Photographed by Rankin to Launch the Cruelty Free International Global Campaign to End Dog Experiments

Simon Cowell, Vanessa-Mae & Julian Clary Photographed by Rankin to Launch the Cruelty Free International Global Campaign to End Dog Experiments

LONDON, November 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --



Simon Cowell and a team of celebrities, including violinist Vanessa-Mae, comedian and
author Julian Clary, and actors Michael Fox (Downton Abbey) and Eleanor Matsuura (Cuffs)
have been photographed with their companion dogs
[http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs-campaign-photos ] by world renowned portrait
photographer, Rankin, to mark the launch of a global campaign by Cruelty Free
International to end the use of dogs in experiments.



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Simon was joined by Squiddly, Diddly and Freddie in Rankin's London studio for the
photo shoot to tell the world that dogs do not belong in laboratories.



In support of the campaign, Simon said, "I have always loved dogs but had no idea how
much happiness they would bring to my life. Squiddly, Diddly and, now, Freddie are hugely
important members of my family - and even the thought of any dog being mistreated sickens
me. That's why I'm supporting Cruelty Free International - to stop dogs being used for
experiments in laboratories around the world. No dog should be treated in such a way.
After all, they are man's (and woman's) best friend."



Cruelty Free International Ambassador Vanessa-Mae, accompanied by Chihuahua, Max, said,
"Dogs share our homes and our lives. The thought of the thousands of dogs who suffer and
die in laboratories worldwide is too horrific to comprehend. As an Ambassador for Cruelty
Free International, I am speaking out against experiments on dogs.  Together we can end
this cruelty once and for all."



Julian, who was joined by Albert and Valerie, stated: "Albert and Valerie are a part
of my family and are always by my side. I adore them, so the idea of so many dogs
suffering or dying in experiments right here in the UK and across the world is absolutely
heart-breaking. I am delighted to join Cruelty Free International and its new campaign to
end the use of dogs in laboratories. "



Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International, said, "We are thrilled
to have such high profile support for our global campaign to end experiments on dogs.
There are strong ethical and scientific reasons against using dogs in research. Dogs are
trusting and forgiving yet they are being betrayed in their thousands by humans, the very
ones they look to for affection and reassurance."



Every year, thousands of dogs suffer in cruel experiments across the world; 2,742 dogs
were used in the UK in 2014; 17,896 dogs were used in the EU in 2011, with the top five
users being France, the UK, Finland, Germany and Spain. While in the US, 59,358 dogs were
used in experiments in 2014.



Beagles are the most commonly used breed. They are mainly subjected to poisoning tests
(known as toxicity testing) in which they are force fed, forced to inhale or injected with
drugs and chemicals to see what dose will sicken or kill them.



The Cruelty Free International campaign will place the use of dogs in experiments on
the global political and public agenda; raising public awareness and persuading
governments, regulators and key decision-makers to end the use of dogs in testing.



For more information, contact media@crueltyfreeinternational.org or +44(0)
2076196978  +44(0)7850510955 www.crueltyfreeinternational.org
[http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org ]


NOTES


Images: http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs-campaign-photos


Campaign: www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs
[http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs ]


Cruelty Free International is one of the world's longest standing and most respected
animal protection organisations. The organisation is widely regarded as an authority on
animal testing issues and is frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations
and official bodies for its advice or expert opinion.






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