Today we launched our campaign to end the use of dogs in UK experiments by 2020, with the official unveiling of a billboard at Hastings Railway Station in East Sussex.

We were joined by locals  and their canine companions, along with local celebrity Carol Cleveland to call on the government to end the use of dog testing in the UK within two years.

We are calling to work with the Home Office and put together a strategy for ending the use of dogs in UK research.  Our petition to reach 100,000 signatures and secure a parliamentary debate on the issue, can be signed here.

Thousands of dogs are used in UK laboratories every year to test chemicals that often end up in drugs, pesticides or weed-killers, even though more humane and human-relevant non-animal alternatives can be used instead.

Cruelty Free International Chief Executive, Michelle Thew, said: “As a nation of animal lovers, the UK should lead the way in ending dog experiments. Tests on dogs are unethical and outdated and there are many credible and effective alternatives that can be used instead. We call on the Home Office to review and put in place a roadmap to end the suffering of our canine friends in UK laboratories.”

Carol Cleveland, actor and comedian, most notable for her work with Monty Python, said: “I’m delighted to support Cruelty Free International and speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves. I urge everyone to sign the Cruelty Free International petition and put a stop to these vile and unnecessary experiments.”