Ricky Gervais Stands Up Against Animal Testing

Ricky Gervais is back supporting the animal rights scene with a new cause, PSA, and passionate plea for support.

The 50-year-old comedian and animal activist is helping to launch a global campaign against cosmetic testing on animals in partnership with a new organization called Cruelty Free International.

“I am delighted to support the launch of Cruelty Free International, the exciting global campaign to end the use of animals in product testing,” he said in a statement. “Animal testing for cosmetics is still allowed in most of the world. That means thousands of animals can continue to die for the sake of a new shampoo. We urgently need a worldwide ban on this cruel and unnecessary suffering.”

Created by the long-standing animal rights organization BUAV, Cruelty Free International will work with governments, regulators, companies and other orgs to push for a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics; something 80% of the global community still allows.

“We are delighted to receive the backing of Ricky Gervais for this exciting and dynamic organisation,” CFI Chief Executive, Michelle Thew said. “The time has come for a concerted effort to finally end animal testing for cosmetics worldwide. Cruelty Free International will lead this global effort.”

Gervais’s involvement is this campaign comes in the wake of an already busy activist year for the actor. Earlier, he was instrumental in helping to shut down a breeding farm for laboratory beagles, as well as campaigning heavily through social media and in the media against bear bile farms in China.

“I’ve never understood cruelty to animals,” he told Metro recently. “It’s one of the things that makes my blood boil. I do anything to do with cancer – my mother died of lung cancer – and animals, because I’ve always loved animals. When I was eight or nine, I hated wildlife documentaries where the lion got the antelope. I’ve always been conscious of animals being in pain. I say, if in doubt, assume the animal doesn’t enjoy being tortured.”

Check out Gervais’ first PSA for the organization below.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

SJ J.

1:33PM PDT on Apr 26, 2013

Thanks Ricky.

April 26
send a green star

Jude H.

2:37AM PDT on Apr 26, 2013

I like Ricky and 'twas good to know about the campaign, thanks.

Jennah F.

12:24PM PDT on Apr 25, 2013

thanks for speaking out against animal testing and for David Brent!

April 25
send a green star

5:15AM PDT on Apr 25, 2013

NICE TO HEAR,thank you for sharing

Giana P.

2:18AM PDT on Apr 25, 2013

Good for Ricky, thank for your wonderful support! Very important cause!

Paul K.

7:54AM PST on Mar 5, 2013

That was great to see...Animal testing is cruel and unneccesary.

March 5
send a green star

Wendy M.

6:54PM PST on Jan 9, 2013

Good on you, Ricky Gervais!

January 9
send a green star

annie s.

4:41PM PDT on Oct 14, 2012

People do take more notice of celebrities Joanna Lumley, Ricky, Carla Lane ,Sir Roger Moore ,Chrissie Hind and of course our very own Brian May. The animals need them and us and we all need each other.