A big thank you to all our supporters with canine companions across the country who took part in dog walks today to raise awareness about the suffering of dogs in UK laboratories. We were joined by a host of celebrity dogs outside the Houses of Parliament this morning to tell the UK government to put an end to cruel and unnecessary experiments on dogs.

 

Canine social media stars including Marcel Le Corgi, Elle the Frenchie and Steph and the Spaniels took part in our Westminster dog walk, one of many walks taking place across the UK as part of our Lead the Way campaign to end the use of dogs in UK tests by 2020.

 

Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group showed her support by posing for pics with the canine stars and calling on the government to put a stop to the suffering.

 

Our petition to secure a parliamentary debate on the issue has reached 20,000 signatures and been backed by celebrity supporters Ricky Gervais and Leona Lewis.

 

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said: “We think the UK public would be horrified to learn that thousands of dogs continue to be used in cruel and unnecessary experiments every year.We want to sit down with government and industry to create a future where dogs are not used in tests in the UK.”

 

Aurélie Four, companion of internet star Marcel Le Corgi, said: “Marcel and I are very happy to be here today to support the Cruelty Free International Lead the Way campaign for an end to UK dog tests. Dogs like Marcel belong in a loving home, not in a laboratory. We urge everyone to sign the Cruelty Free International petition, to put a stop to these horrible and unnecessary experiments.”

 

A huge thanks to everyone who has signed and shared the petition. Our next goal is for a massive 100,000 signatures to secure the debate about UK dog tests in parliament. It’s a big task, but with your help and support we know we can do it! Sign the petition here.