Animal Rights: Why Can't We Be Friends?
Animal Rights: Why Can’t We Be Friends? Why do we test animals for cosmetic purposes? Each year, thousands of animals die because of animal testing for cosmetic purposes. Companies think they are only testing on animals for safety regulations for their consumers, but the Food and Drug Administration does not require animal testing on cosmetics (IDA USA). Believe it or not, there are other ways to test cosmetics that does not involve hurting innocent animals. We can reduce the number of animals being harmed by raising awareness, persuading the company, or going through the legal system. Companies will continue animal testing if we as a society do not do something about it. It may seem like it would not make a difference, but raising awareness is a great way for our voices to be heard. Our opinion matters. Anyone can protest against this particular topic and refuse to buy products from the companies that do test on animals. A national organization called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or commonly known as PETA has a list on their website that names off every company that still uses animals as test subjects for their products. All we have to do is simply stop buying from those companies. A second solution is persuading the company to stop animal testing. Simply writing a letter to that particular company is another good way for an individual’s voice to be heard. Write a letter stating that you will not support them until they stop testing on animals. It may not seem like much but if enough people write letters, companies will see this is a major concern and
hopefully use other techniques to test their products. All a company wants is money, so if their sales are declining because customers are no longer buying their products then they will change something. In this case, that “something” will be how products are tested. A third reason could be taking action through the legal system. By passing legislation that bans animal testing, a person
hopefully use other techniques to test their products. All a company wants is money, so if their sales are declining because customers are no longer buying their products then they will change something. In this case, that “something” will be how products are tested. A third reason could be taking action through the legal system. By passing legislation that bans animal testing, a person
Cited: “Cosmetic Testing Facts.” In Defense of Animals. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. Regan, Tom. “Animal Rights, Human Wrongs.” Forming a Critical Perspective. Ed. Ann Spurlock et al. New York: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2010. 336-340. Print.