I thought that Gillette had stopped animal tests. Why is it still included on the “do test” list?

In December 1996, Gillette instituted a moratorium on all animal testing but had not yet adopted a permanent ban on all future testing. That is, the company instituted a “no animal testing” policy but did not commit to using only non-animal tests in the future. At that time, Gillette remained on the “do test” list, with a notation indicating that it was observing a moratorium.

Gillette indicated to us that it was taking greater action to avoid animal tests, such as petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to accept non-animal test data for its fluoride toothpaste, just as the cruelty-free Tom’s of Maine company did. This was extremely good news, but the fact remained that Gillette had not yet made a permanent commitment to use only non-animal tests.

Recently, Gillette was bought out by Procter & Gamble, a company that has not yet committed to a permanent ban on animal testing. We wrote to Gillette immediately after hearing this news to inquire about the impact that this would have on its animal-testing policy. Unfortunately, we never received a definitive response and had no choice but to remove the moratorium notation from Gillette’s listing.

Please send a polite letter to Procter & Gamble’s president asking him to assure PETA that Gillette will continue to adhere to a permanent “no animal testing” policy. Letters should be addressed to:

Mr. A.G. Lafley
1 Procter & Gamble Plz.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
800-543-7270
www.PG.com