March 23, 2020

Animal testing? We support the AGT!

by Benedikt Klarmann

WHAT IS THE ÄRZTE GEGEN TIERVERSUCHE E.V.?

Medical progress is important - animal testing is the wrong way to go!

Underthis motto, Doctors Against Animal Experiments has been campaigning for animal-free medicine since 1979. The goal is the abolition of all animal testing and thus an ethically justifiable, human-oriented medicine, as well as a science that achieves relevant results through modern, animal-free testing methods - in medicine as well as in the cosmetics sector.

In order to do justice to the increasing public interest in the abolition of animal testing, the structure of the association has changed considerably since 1979. Since 2009, supporting members from other professions have also been entitled to participate in the association and its objectives.

WHAT DOES THE AGT DO?

The association develops well-founded evidence for the nonsensical nature of animal experimentation and shows appropriate ways out. By disseminating these results through information material, campaigns and events, the association brings the arguments against animal experiments closer to the public. In this way, pressure is also exerted on the animal testing industry and politicians. Through political work, influence is often exerted on legislation at federal and EU level.

The website of Ärzte gegen Tierversuche e.V. also provides comprehensive information about animal testing and offers a wealth of up-to-date data, facts, studies and background information on relevant topics.

In addition, the associated youth projects are aimed at the next generation and thus declare educational work on animal experiments to be a matter of course.

WHAT DOES THE AGT WANT TO ACHIEVE?

The declared aim is to abolish all animal testing, including in the cosmetics sector. A Europe-wide ban on the sale of cosmetic products and ingredients tested on animals came into force in March 2013. However, 80% of countries worldwide still allow animal testing for lipstick and shampoo, for example. It is estimated that half a million animals suffer and die as a result.

AGT's British partner association "Cruelty Free International" is also committed to animal-free cosmetics across national borders. We also want to do our part. In addition to directly supporting Ärzte gegen Tierversuche e.V., we do not test on animals and produce in Germany, where we can ensure this.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT THE AGT?

By becoming a supporting member, we want to make our position against animal testing clear. Our products are not tested on animals and we are meticulous in ensuring that this is also the case with the ingredients we use. The welfare of animals is very close to our hearts, which further strengthens our determination to actively participate against animal testing and to promote research into alternatives to animal testing with our commitment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

As a first step, it is enough to take a look at the packaging of your cosmetic products to see whether the product you have purchased is cruelty-free. Any manufacturer who pays attention to this will communicate it visibly.

Furthermore, it is important to continue to sensitize yourself and your environment to the topic and to always stay up to date. Here too, AGT e.V. offers an excellent opportunity to find out about "animal testing and cosmetics".

Even a purely material contribution in the form of a donation always helps the association's projects and ambitions.

By supporting the AGT, we are taking a clear stance against animal testing. We hope that the ban on animal testing (not only in the cosmetics industry) can also be enforced beyond European borders.