Animals
Our research on animal rights is divided into three main areas:
Animal Testing
In the 1980s, animal experimentation became a 'hot topic' as cosmetics companies testing their products on animals suddenly became a big 'no no'. Even nowadays, the testing of products and ingredients on animals continues, despite the fact that it's outlawed (for cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients) in this country.
Companies that test products on animals, or have an inadequate policy on animal testing, are criticised here. Other products that also get tested on animals are household products and pet food. We also include animal testing for medical products in this area.
Factory Farming
Much of modern farming is industrialised and intensive and can often be termed 'factory farming' because of the philosophy of mass production. With this type of farming, many animals are crammed together in the smallest possible space and their health and wellbeing suffers as a result.
Animal rights campaigners argue that if we have to farm animals, then we should be treating with them with compassion and respect and that these values are incompatible with factory farming methods. Companies which sell factory farmed meat, or products with battery eggs, will be criticised in this category.
Organic farming in general is much better for animals and so companies with organic meat and dairy products are not criticised in this area.
Animal Rights
Companies that have been accused or prosecuted for cruelty to animals are criticised here. Also found here are activities that might lead to animal suffering - such as zoos and circuses, or using animals to advertise products.
It also includes the use of slaughterhouse by-products - such as leather or gelatine.
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