Leona Lewis and Owain Yeoman call for end to animal testing for cosmetics

Leona Lewis and actor Owain Yeoman have thrown their support behind a new global campaign calling for an end to animal testing for cosmetics.

The animal lovers have cuddled up to cute rabbits, some of the most commonly used creatures in the make-up development industry, for the Be Cruelty-Free initiative, organised by officials from The Humane Society of the U.S. and Human Society International.

They are aiming to highlight the cause for International Rabbit Day on Saturday (28Sep13) in an effort to put a stop to the practice in America, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Korea, New Zealand and Russia.

The Mentalist star Yeoman says, "It's the saddest thing to know that rabbits can't cry, which is one of the reasons these gentle creatures are used in painful eye tests for cosmetics. When I think of their unnecessary suffering I could certainly shed a tear, so I'm backing the Be Cruelty-Free campaign to see an end to animal testing in North America and globally. Show the bunnies some love and let's end cosmetics cruelty."

Lewis, whose campaign photo features the singer hugging her own rescued bunny, Melrose, adds, "Ending animal testing for cosmetics is close to my heart, and so is my bunny Melrose. Melrose is so gentle and loving with such an amazing personality all her own, it breaks my heart to know there are thousands of rabbits who are just as special suffering a terrible fate to test cosmetics. I would never dream of causing Melrose pain, but in laboratories around the world, rabbits and other helpless animals still have chemicals dripped in their eyes or spread over their sensitive skin just to test new lip sticks or shampoo. I want their suffering to stop.

"I'm proud to be a bunny-hugger for Be Cruelty-Free on International Rabbit Day. Be a bunny-hugger too and let's end cosmetics cruelty!"

Animal testing for cosmetics is currently only banned in Europe, Israel and India.