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MELBOURNE - Animal liberationists say The Body Shop now supports animal testing, despite the company reassuring consumers last year it would never test products and ingredients on animals.
During a protest outside a Body Shop store in central Melbourne today, Animal Liberation Victoria (ALV) urged shoppers to shun the business because its new owner backed animal testing.
ALV says cosmetic giant L'Oreal, The Body Shop's new owner, continues to use animal-tested ingredients and thousands of animals are tested each year to help make commercial products.
"We want people to know that every time they make a purchase at The Body Shop, they may in fact be financially supporting animal tests," ALV spokesman Noah Hannibal said.
According to a Body Shop education sheet, prepared in May 2006, the company believes no animals should be harmed for the purpose of making cosmetic and toiletry products.
"We are opposed to the use of animal testing for cosmetics purposes and have taken an active role in changing legislation, inspiring industry practice, and supporting research for alternatives," the Body Shop document states.
"We will continue to lead the way by demonstrating the highest monitoring standards and clear customer communications."
The document states testing was never an option for the future.
"We do not test our cosmetic products or ingredients on animals, nor will we commission others to do so," the document says.
"We never have and we never will. We will lead by example, showing that innovative products, consumer safety and animal protection can go hand in hand."
The Body Shop also said it would fund animal protection causes and alternatives to animal testing.
A spokeswoman for The Body Shop was unavailable for comment.
- AAP
