We’re launching a new campaign today to urge governments around the world to protect stray and shelter dogs who are being used in experiments and education.

A new investigation that we’ve carried out in Brazil has revealed every dog lover’s worst nightmare:  stray dogs from government funded shelters in the country are being given to universities for use in experiments or practical teaching classes at veterinary schools.

Shockingly, stray and shelter dogs can also still be used in laboratories or educational institutions in Australia, Canada, the U.S., and other countries around the world.

So, with your help, we’re working to persuade governments, and veterinary and medical schools to put an end to this cruel practice.

And we’re delighted that a team of celebrities are speaking up with us, including Eric McCormack (Will and Grace), Seth Gilliam (The Wire, The Walking Dead), Lou Diamond Philips (La Bamba), Danny Trejo (Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy), TV personality Cat Greenleaf, UK musician Kate Nash, and superstar violinist & Cruelty Free International Global Ambassador Vanessa-Mae.

Eric McCormack, star of hit TV series Will and Grace, said: “Shelter dogs should be adopted into loving homes not used in cruel experiments. That’s why I support the Cruelty Free International global dog campaign.”

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International said: “Treating dogs as disposable research commodities or teaching tools with no regard for their lives is wrong. The sooner governments make this archaic practice a thing of the past, the better.”

The new campaign is the next stage in our work to end the cruel use of dogs in experiments.

Please take action now to help save lost, stray and abandoned dogs by making an urgent donation and signing the petition.