Like many of you, national treasure Joanna Lumley is a wonderful long-time friend of Cruelty Free International, and we’re delighted to share this exclusive interview about her compassion for animals. So, grab a cuppa and read on!

Joanna, you’re passionate about animals and have a long history with Cruelty Free International.  Why did you get involved?

All my life I have loved animals and hated the ways we often treat them with cruelty or indifference. I started supporting Cruelty Free International ages ago because I felt that what you were doing was brave and necessary. If you believe in something, don’t moan about injustice, get involved. The idea of creatures being used as objects on which to test products designed for human use disgusted and frightened me.

You previously backed our campaign against botox testing. Why is this an issue you feel strongly about?

It’s hard to say which part of the struggle affected me most: I think it was the particularly cruel test involved. I started to follow with interest all the ways we can find out which products have been tested on animals or use cruel practices.

We’re so grateful you’re supporting our new campaign for a global ban on cosmetics testing on animals.  Why is it so important that we stop testing cosmetics on animals?

I don’t believe we should use animals for cosmetics. We have a long hard fight ahead of us but the tide can turn quickly. Keep the faith, never give up our struggle on the animals’ behalf.

Condemning living creatures to pain and suffering for our leisure and vanity must stop and we must be the guardians of those who have no voice.

Do you have any advice for supporters who aren’t sure where to find cruelty free cosmetic products?

The Leaping Bunny is a huge help. I adore painting my face and slather on the make-up with a trowel… but at least I can do so with an easy heart, thanks to guidance from Cruelty Free International.

Thank you Joanna! With wonderful supporters like you and Joanna Lumley, together we are changing the world for animals. 

Find out more about what you can do for animals in laboratories.