Cruelty Free International is joining forces with the BUAV, and from today onwards, we will be speaking with one voice as Cruelty Free International. By coming together under one name, we will increase our power and reach as the voice for animals in laboratories across the globe.

I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished in our 117 year history. From our early beginnings, we have become the world’s leading organisation working to end animal experiments. Winning some long and difficult campaigns for animals in laboratories, our recent successes include the EU-wide ban on cosmetics testing on animals, an end to the use of wild-caught monkeys in the UK for research, and saving thousands of animals from testing under REACH, Europe’s chemical testing programme.

But I am clear that there is so much more we must achieve for animals. With at least 115 million animals used and killed in experiments worldwide every year, the need for a global organisation working solely on this issue has never been greater.  

Our new name will enable us to build on the successes of the past and meet the challenges of the future. By combining our strengths and speaking with one voice, we are setting out to dramatically increase our impact for animals in laboratories.  And as we enter the next chapter of our history, we are more determined than ever to make a positive change for these animals.

To help celebrate and commemorate this historic occasion, I am thrilled to announce our new global ambassador, international superstar violinist Vanessa-Mae.

Vanessa-Mae was present at our official launch and spoke to members of the press about her passion for animals and her desire to end cruel animal experiments. As we continue to make progress across the globe, Vanessa-Mae’s profile in countries such as China and Russia will undoubtedly help us to reach even more people who need to hear our message.

This is such an exciting moment for everyone involved with Cruelty Free International. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our wonderful supporters for your kind and dedicated support. Now is the perfect time to look towards the future and step up a gear to make an even bigger difference.  

I invite you all to take this next step with us on our journey to make the world cruelty free, once and for all. I know that together we can achieve great things for animals in laboratories.