Furry faces shouldn't have to suffer on account of painted faces — that's the message a group of activist pet-owners in Greater Sudbury delivered at a downtown march today.
Ten humans, five dogs and one cat came out in Nickel City's downtown today, in an effort to draw attention to the sale and manufacture of animal-tested cosmetic products in Canada.
New Sudbury Centre Body Shop played host to the march, in co-operation with its campaign partner Cruelty Free International. It was all part of The Body Shop's first National Day of Activism.
"We're trying to get a ban on animal testing in Canada," said Krista Mitchell, who works at The Body Shop and was at the walk with her 18-year-old cat, Taz. "It's still completely legal here in Canada."
The company asserts that Canada's failure to adopt a ban renders the industry outdated and behind other parts of the world. In 2004, the European Union adopted a ban on animal testing of finished cosmetic products. In 2009, this extended to cosmetic ingredients. Both were fully implemented by 2013.
"It's totally unnecessary in this day and age," said animal lover Hayley Ramsey, who was at the walk with her dog, Emma Bean. "I'm here supporting a ban on animal testing because I don't believe our little furry friends should have to suffer for us to be beautiful."
The Body Shop customers seem to agree. More than 482,000 of them have signed a petition in support of banning cosmetic animal testing in Canada.
Shala Gagnon, who hosted the day's walk and is an assistant manager at The Body Shop, said the number of people who have signed in Sudbury is worthy of the attention of MP Paul Lefebvre.
"We've collected over 3,200 signatures in support of this ban, so we're going to be showing that to (Lefebvre's) office today, and leaving behind some literature," Gagnon said.
MP Lefebvre was at today's FedNor announcement when the group of activists arrived, but the group said he has expressed an interest in hearing their concerns.
"We will be meeting with him face-to-face later in this month," Gagnon said.
The absence of Lefebvre himself didn't discourage any of the walkers. "We did it," the group cheered before clapping when they arrived at the MP's office.
"Through our march today we want to show that every single citizen in Canada has a voice. You can reach out to your local MP at anytime," Gagnon said. "Ask them to support a ban on cosmetic animal testing. If you want to sign the petition you can head into The Body Shop in the New Sudbury Centre from now to August. Every single name makes a difference and we appreciate all the support."
