This month, I want to focus on the topic of who can be “blamed”, or rather, held responsible for animal testing.
This isn’t about pointing fingers or making anyone feel bad about their choices. I believe, at least in the case of animal testing, that it’s important to place a “blame” somewhere because it would act as the first step towards finding a solution to this problem.
Blaming someone (or rather something, like some people’s actions or a country’s regulations) would mean that we’re deciding who is doing the most harm, and also, who has the power to do the most good.
I can think of 3 “entities” which can be held responsible for animal testing, at least to some degree. All of them have the power to do some good, and remedy the situation.
1. The brands themselves
The first and most obvious choice would be to blame the companies who test on animals. These are mainly giants of the beauty industry, such as L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever. These companies continue to finance tests on animals rather than use alternative methods or refuse to enter markets that require animal testing.
The problem with blaming and shaming the companies themselves is that businesses don’t feel guilt or shame, much less compassion. Businesses are fuelled by money. Even “ethical” businesses are motivated by money first and foremost, using ethics to appeal to ethical audiences in order to sell. So we could blame these businesses, but blaming them would have no real impact since profit is the only language they speak, meaning nothing would change.
2. The consumers
This brings us to the second most obvious group to blame, which is the consumers. Either out of ignorance or apathy, many consumers continue to purchase from the aforementioned companies which test mercilessly on animals. These consumers continue to unwillingly support animal testing by financing those companies, which sends them the following message: cruelty towards animals has no impact on their profits and is therefore okay.
But can consumers really be blamed? The truth about animal testing is often hidden, and billions of dollars are spent on marketing and PR to ensure that brands like L’Oreal and Covergirl only show us their most glamorous facade, burying any animal torture under the rug.
3. Governments
We’re left with one group which, in my opinion, can make the biggest impact: federal governments. Governments are generally responsible for placing limits on what’s allowed and what isn’t. They have the power to make any practice illegal. As proof, animal testing has already been banned in the EU, Norway, New Zealand, Isreal, Turkey, and India, and each of these bans reduced animal testing in part.
I believe that the future of the cruelty-free movement lies in governments worldwide banning animal testing. The main problem right now is mainland China’s policy, which requires animal testing for all foreign cosmetics. A change in China’s policy would have a huge impact on the beauty industry and would spare over 375,000 animals a year.
Unfortunately, governments are known to move at a turtle’s pace, so we can only hope that more bans will fall in place in the near future. Nevertheless, I think that more pressure should be put on our local governments to introduce these bill and see them pass. It’s where we can make the biggest difference.
Of course, purchasing cruelty-free brands and boycotting those who test on animals also has the potential to make a huge difference and should never be underestimated, as it's the main positive action that we can take as consumers.
What do you think about these issues? Do you think anyone should be held responsible for animal testing?
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I really feel like at the end of the day, money talks. Govt. is absolutely the biggest source to stopping it quicker but as you said and I agree turtles pace. I don’t want to be someone who shoves my beliefs down others throats. But the less spent on these companies the better. I typically don’t say anything to my mom who buys whatever she’s not a bad person (no one who buys from the non Cf brands are bad people) just lack of knowledge or thoughts behind it. I like it? Done. I recommend CF brands typically and ik she will like and if she does she just keeps buying the same thing lol so it’s a small victory for me!
I have just read this article and I don’t really believe blaming the government for animal testing is the answer. Consumers/voters are who fingers should be pointed at so look in the mirror people and say, “Shame on me.”
Shame on us for sitting back and waiting for the government to do something. Shame on us for not insisting that the companies make a moral decision by NOT BUYING their products and instead choose items from a company that is cruelty-free. Shame on us for not telling companies that we WANT Cruelty-Free on their products right under our noses so we can smile as we make those purchases.
Our DOLLAR is our vote.
Take responsibility for our own actions.
We have technology at our fingertips in Facebook, Twitter, etc. Use it.
Hi Suzi! In fact, this is the first time I visited your blog. I got to know your blog through the recent NARS issue. I want to find out more about other products that test on animals and came across your blog. I’m happy to learn a lot more from your blog regarding animal cruelty and choosing products wisely. I’m still at the very beginning stage of trying to make a difference with being aware of beauty products and to support cruelty-free brand. The more i find out about brands that support animal testing, the more sad I became. I come to realize that about 80% of the brands I’m using are all tested on animals. Made me cry yesterday.
As human, it’s easier to put the blame on someone else. But first, I do blame it on the government. I do blame it on the companies that started it all as well. Of course, their love for money is the drive to success. Well, I’m only a small spec of dust in this world but I’m sure if I try spread the words of awareness, it might help a little here and there in the future. I’m thankful and grateful to have come across your blog. Keep up the good work in changing minds as well as to love animals.
Yes, I’m interested in this topic. I would like information on how to combat these issues. I’m not sure what steps need to be taken to change China’s policy. I know that I’ve signed petitions regarding other governments and change as come about (i.e. the ivory trade). Where can i find petitions about this? Are there other ways to help?
Also, how can we change the minds of customers. I know people who are “animal lovers”, yet refuse to give up their favorite makeup products (which are not cruelty free). Any ideas? Thanks for all your work!
Who to blame-I think you can add into the list the actors and celebrities that get paid thousands/millions to promote the brands on television advertising commercials,that tests their brands/products on animals.(L’Oreal springs to mind)Consumers are led so much now by what their role model buys/wears uses, that they are been drawn in, without having the facts about testing on animals for themselves. Celebrities/actors/reality tv stars could say no to the big brand giants , they could even blog about it,and say only when the brands go cruelty free, will i advertise their products,(still for the big fat paycheque) but these actors etc, are so self obsessed with fame and money,that overrides any moral judgement and could have a massive effect of animal cruelty awareness for the young consumers, who are the future, and could make huge changes. I will also not have the cop out,that these actors/celebs do not know what and what isnt tested on animals, that is what they have assistants/pr/managers for!, maybe they all should be sent some links on companies that test, just in case, they choose to start to have a moral compass and backbone!
Yes, I agree with you 100%!
It seems like the consumers have the biggest power in this. They control the businesses. I have become more aware as a consumer in buying cruelty free brands which has helped me. So far Kat Von D has been my favorite.
I believe that the companies who continue the cruelty of animal testing are abhorrent; however if consumers would cease the purchase of such products, these companies would either be put out of business or change their ways. Some people prefer their status brands to a conscience! Vote with your wallet and keep your money out of the WRONG pockets.
Realistically, there’s no way China is going to do anything to stop animal testing lol
Hi Suzi,well done. I personaly think,consumers can change everything. But as I see around myself, they just don’t want to know. I live by example and I talk to friends but I didn’t turn a single one to shop cruelty free. What is wrong with people? They have so much power to stop it and make a change. We can’t wait for Goverment to change,because there’s no time to wait. We need to grow in numbers and talk, talk, talk ….
great start to your blog thanks. I have shared on FB. x
Thanks Jaz!
I will definitely interested in reading more about this topic.
Getting mad at the companies is a great start because it motivates you.
My specialty is beating my enemy with strategy like the did in the Vietnam war.If your enemy is coming from the north you have two choices.
Get mad and burn out fighting head to head with less resources and soldiers or ___CUT OFF THEIR SUPPLY___.! NOW,…. the best way to cut off the supply over the next 10 years is by getting cruelty free products into homes and neighbors and relatives like TUPPER WEAR in the 1970’s.
FLOOD the market having public school students 2 per class and High School and College sell to the families of each class .Make the Animal Cruelty Officers and pay 50 % of each product ,25 % goes for a class outing or tee shirts Cruelty Free ,
Pay the person handling the ordering and products 25 % of the school.
Business is the weapon and Flooding the market as a store has overhead.
I believe that celebrities who endorse and model for companies such as Cover Girl are also somewhat responsible. People like Ellen DeGeneres who is or was a model and spokesperson for Cover Girl carry a great deal of influence with consumers and possibly with companies. Ellen maintains that she is an animal advocate. I wrote her a letter concerning her affiliation with Cover Girl. She has never responded not even to acknowledge that she received it (or someone on her staff received it).
Selfishness, lack of education, avoidance ,and doing what is easiest because that is the way it has always been, are main reasons for animal testing and cruelty practices to continue. The USA and Japan are countries who wash their eggs because we raise our chickens in such squalid conditions, we have to,but the average person does not realize we do not HAVE to if we treated our production animals better, We test on animals because we think we are more important than animals as a life form,but we do not NEED to test on anials because science is advanced enough to culture human cells to test instead.
I bet if you showed more people videos of how chickens,cows,pigs , etc are really raised and how thier Olay of Olay is REALlY developed, and made people see how eady alternatives are, more consumers would drive the market to make better ,choices and ethical decisions when it comes to sales.
And i blame people for avoiding the issue or just being lazy. I cannot even go buy an impulse mascara at walgreens anymore because I cannot rationalize prioritizing my immediate need over supporting a company that tests on animals. For example, i loved a mascara marketed towards Star wars fans ,and considered buying it until I saw the company that made it tests on animals. It is hard to feel beautiful when you are wearing something that was apolied to bunny eyeballs or scraped off raw beagle skin. . People need to stop thinking about their immediate needs and start considering the consequence of where the money goes to.
Bravo! You said it perfectly! Our minds are very powerful and in the past, I am not sure if I was being selfish or lazy but I would totally block out all I knew about animal cruelty. I would eat animal products and not check products to make sure I was buying cruelty free. Thankfully something woke me up and I did my research and now cannot forget what I have read and seen. Now I cannot understand how people can “ignore” the facts but I did for whatever reason when I was younger…I am just so happy that I saw the light!
I also really appreciate this discussion. I would like to hold the federal government responsible, but I am seeing such discouraging information about protection of endangered species being possibly thrown out, I have absolutely no faith that the Feds will do anything to help animal testing. I do think companies should be held accountable. But they don’t care because they are still making big bucks!! Now that leaves us consumers! I think we must educate ourselves and others. Many people think these top department store brands are cruelty free because company reps tell them this. We have to take time to research the truth and then buy accordingly. Put your money to work buying from cruelty free companies. Suzi’s list is a great resource and Petite Vour is to. If you can sign up for the monthly boxes, it’s a great way to try and sample cruelty free products. (They have great products.) If enough of us do this, the L’Oreals and Covergirls of the world will loose money and THAT is the one thing that will make them change. Protesting when the opportunity exists is good because that brings the issue to the media. It would be great if we could have a “Ban Animal Testing Day” where people marched in cities and towns across the US. That type of media attention is something these cosmetic companies don’t want.
Hi Suzi! I’ve only recently discovered your blog, and I find it so helpful and informative. Your articles are always so well-researched, and I would definitely be interested in reading more from you on topics like this!
Thank you so much, Nicole!
One group that I feel could make a huge impact is beauty vloggers. They are not to blame (no more than any other consumer anyway), but so many of them have a HUGE audience. When they use products that are tested on animals, it inspires their viewers to use these products. There are very few of them who make a point to use only cruelty free products. They could help immensely if they were better informed on animal testing. Most people just don’t bother to look into it, not realizing what a serious issue it is.
Totally agree! If anyone is looking for youtube “beauty gurus” who are/went cruelty-free, there’s Carli Bybel, Stephanie Lang, Jessica Haze, and Kristen Leanne just to name a few.
I was trying to find any info regarding the Humane Cosmetics Act H.R.2858…looks like that was the last failed attempt to get our government to ban cosmetics animal testing in the US.
I see that some progress was made about China: http://www.peta.org/blog/china-approve-first-non-animal-cosmetics-test/ .
I don’t see anything current being done by Congress, the Humane Society, or PETA. That doesn’t mean it isn’t out there…it just means I can’t find it. I am probably a dufus that needs help in the resource department. But there are probably lots of people like me who would be willing to take action if we had some help and guidance. I would like to know if there is anything that we, the grassroots citizens can do – right now – currently – to take action. I know that every single opinion makes a difference.
The problem is that many CF political action organizations have non-current, outdated information left over on their websites…so it’s about impossible to know what’s going on right now and how we can really be effective – right now.
Suzy…as if you need another thing to do…I would like to see a CFK page for a “Call To Action”, with DATED updates and dated website links to time-sensitive information, that includes CURRENT political actions we can take, so that we will know we’re not attempting to push China on a dead issue, or asking our Representatives to vote on a bill that died in committee in 2015.
Thanksabunch!
I have to add that HSI is constantly working with governments (including China) to push for animal testing bans or at the very least progress, and they’re responsible for a lot of the progress we’ve seen.
I agree with you 100%. The most significant way to stop animal testing is legislation to ban it. I have already written to my Senators and Representatives. I am doing as much I can personally to change the shopping habits of my friends, family and acquaintances. But few of them feel as passionately about this issue as I do. Another problem is lack of information about the cruel treatment of the animals. The companies do a very good job of hiding this information. I think it would also help if people knew exactly which animals are used for testing. It is my belief that most people think of mice when animal testing is mentioned. If more people were aware that animal testing is conducted on rabbits, dogs, cats, monkeys, etc., many of which are just like our pets at home, I believe more people would shop cruelty-free. One problem with encouraging people to shop cruelty-free is the product cost. I am blessed to able to purchase only cruelty-free products despite their often higher cost. But for the majority of consumers, I believe product cost will override their consideration of the company’s animal testing policy. This will change with time, as more companies vow to not test on animals. But the reality is that it is difficult for small companies to compete with the giants. I wish that I individually could do more to ban animal testing. I am doing everything I can to enlighten people of this inhumane, barbaric, cruel practice. And, I make a monthly donation to Beagle Freedom Project. I am very glad you started this blog and I hope you are able to continue it. I will most definitely share. 🙂
I love the idea of this series, so please keep it going. I think that while business are to blame and governments could potentially make the biggest difference if say they banned animal testing, it starts with consumers refusing to buy from companies who test on animals. When the businesses start losing enough money, they will have to change because it’s all a simple game of supply and demand. Without consumers they are nothing.
Also, of course in America, it’s all about money. Big business. Capitalism. Because every dollar counts, they’ll never reveal the truth and put regulations on something like this. This is another reason why it starts with consumers.
I just want to say that these blogs that you do are very helpful to me and to everyone else that wants animal testing to stop and stop now…
Thank you Suzi for bringing awareness to this issue. I believe this is a top down approach ad if companies weren’t so greedy for money we’d all hAve better options. It still amazes me how so many countries have banned animal testing, but we in the US are oblivious to the harm it causes. At the same time we love our pets like children. It just doesnt make sense. I also believe education for many consumers that buy cosmetics is a huge factor. Now that I have the knowledge, I don’t buy anything that’s not cruelty free. Again, it came from educating myself and doing research. Just like the Food Babe started a revolution on the the food industry, I the think you can do the same when it comes to cruelty free cosmetics.
Thank you again for these topics. I continue to educate myself and do my part and also post your articles on facebook to my friends and family. I am definitely an advocate for animals and against animal cruelty. I continue to sign petitions, donate when I can to PETA and the local Humane Society here in Tampa, Florida. I also write to my senators but I have lost faith in our politicians to do anything worthwhile other than take care of themselves and their special interests. If large cosmetic companies are using natural ingredients that shouldn’t have to test on animals in my opinion. This is cruel and I don’t understand why this is still happening.
I assume you meant to say held responsible for animal testing.
Companies are definitely to blame. A company, although more of an abstract idea, is made up of people. These people, at some level, decide how the company will run. Mary Kay, for instance, doesn’t test on animals in the United States or any other countries where it markets its products, except for China. Someone made the decision to sell there.
The consumer definitely takes some of the blame, too. As you mentioned, people who might not be aware of which brands test on animals may or may not be blameless (that’s a matter of opinion). However, ignorance is not bliss. I venture to say most people don’t care about whether a company tests on animals, or people turn a blind eye to it. People, regardless of their ethical stance on animal testing, are partly at fault for the continuation of this testing because they are funding it! Whether they know or not, it is ultimately the consumers who keep the companies running.
Governments could probably have the most impact. If it was illegal to test on animals and if punishments for doing so were harsh, companies would need to reconsider the methods of testing their products. Then this whole point would be moot. I don’t see that happening in the United States any time soon with Trump in office. Warfare on animals and the environment is clearly his agenda.
I wish I could say that I purchase only from companies that do not test on animals, but sometimes I can not afford to buy the products. I have cut out a lot of products that do test on animals, as well as products that contain harsh or toxic chemicals. I think that each person has the power to make an impact. I do the best I can to only purchase cruelty free, nontoxic products. I am also a vegetarian, but not completely vegan, although I would like to be. It has been hard for me to cut out cheese and fish. Each person has their own journey, and being aware is definitely a start. Deciding to reduce our consumption of animal products and our “footprint” on the environment in ways we can each day, definitely has an impact, probably more of one than writing to government officials and telling them our wishes.
We are all to blame for animals testing. From the consumer who buys the products, to the companies that manufacture them to the governments that do not put sanctions in place to protect the animals. We need to push for change in policy with our dollar and our voices. Boycotting isn’t enough. Write to the companies, email them, bombard them. Change is up to every single one of us on every level.
I love love love that you do what you do, Suzi! You are a godsend! How can we get the Chinese government to find a compassion toward animals to then change their laws? Why do they have such a detachment from animals I wonder?
Thank you Monica! 🙂 I think you’re asking an important question and maybe someone who’s familiar with Chinese culture could bring an answer.