Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Testing on Animals

If you read my blog, you know that I absolutely love animals. I’ve always had a soft spot for them. When I was a little girl, I used to bring the stray cats and dogs home and hide them in my closet in the hopes that my parents would not find out. Just a couple of years ago I found an injured squirrel and took it home. I spent hours trying to find a wildlife rescue organization that could take the squirrel since I didn’t know what to do. Those are just a couple of things I have done for animals. I could go on and on! I wonder why I just didn’t go into Veterinary Medicine or something along those lines! Hmmm! I still think about switching careers. Who knows?

Anyway, the reason for this post is that I have decided to stop purchasing products, including beauty products, from companies who test on animals. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and after reading about some of the awful things that some of these poor little critters go through in testing labs, I just can’t do it!

I’ve always known about animal testing, but never really stopped to think about it in detail. What really happens? What conditions are these animals living in? Are they in pain? Are they loved and cared for? Is it really necessary to test on animals? I mean, really? It’s 2010 and I am sure there are other ways to test products, chemicals, etc. in ways that do not involve animals.

Just recently, I received a Tweet from PETA about an undercover investigation that took place for nine months in a rural North Carolina lab. This particular lab tested insecticides and other chemicals on animals. These poor animals were in cages and endured some painful procedures. They were left with sores, infections, etc., and were never treated. In addition, the workers at the lab treated them so badly. They yelled at them and dragged them across the floor. UGH! Reading this article just made me sob! There was a link to video footage, but I couldn’t watch it. I WOULDN’T watch it! How could this happen? Why?

A week after I received the Tweet I mentioned above, PETA sent out another tweet! One week after the PETA Investigation information was released, the lab CLOSED. There were approximately 200 cats and dogs surrendered. You have no idea how happy that made me. Again….I was in tears, but this time it was tears of joy! Maybe just maybe, those animals will receive the care they need and will be adopted into forever homes where they will be loved and cared for.

I know everyone is entitled to make their own choices in what products they use. I’m not here to preach to anyone. I just wanted to share this personal choice with you all. Perhaps it might get you to think about this topic a little more.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for me. There are still so many things I could be doing or not doing to protect animals. Every little step counts. This is where my journey begins!

Click on the image below for more information on companies that do and that don’t test on animals!!

7 comments:

snooze said...

I love this post. I also decided to toss everything that comes from companies that test on animals. It's hard, but I felt relieved. Now I only buy cosmetics and beauty products from brands that don't test on animals. You have to start small, but when others follow it can make a great impact.

Irene said...

Amazing post
I don't buy and don't use products tested on animals. And I feel bad using the ones that I have
It's so nice to find people that think the same way

Curves Ahead lifestyle blogger said...

great post !!! that's great they closed that shop ,awesome post

Jackee said...

Thanks ladies! It's going to be a challenge at first - to remember which brands test or don't test. Also, I still have a lot of products from companies that test. I am going to finish those up, but will not purchase again!

Anonymous said...

Love this! I refuse to use products that are tested on animals. I read the Peta tweet and was horrified. I wish things would change and they would stop the cruel and unnecessary testing on these innocent creatures. ~ @lvly808

LisaMarie said...

This is a great post!!! I love this!! I've been working on becoming a Vegan for a year now and read labels on everything I buy!! I heard that in 2013 no companies are going to be aloud to test on animals!! I sure hope so!!!

Jackee said...

I've heard the same about no animal testing allowed by 2013, but I received an e-mail last week about a possible delay in that and several organizations are fighting to keep the 2013 date. I hope it is not delayed!