Paul McCartney lends support for animal rights

Sir Paul McCartney has lent his support to end cruel cosmetics tests on animals.

The Beatles legend - who is a vegetarian - has joined a campaign for animal rights charity British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) to put a stop to animal testing for toiletries and cosmetic products sold in the European Union (EU).

He said: "Animals should not suffer in the name of beauty. Testing toiletries and cosmetics on animals is cruel and unnecessary. Join me in signing the BUAV's petition to ensure the sale of cruel products in the EU is outlawed by 2013. Say NO to Cruel Cosmetics."

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of BUAV, added: "We are delighted that Sir Paul has joined our campaign to end cruel tests on animals for beauty products. Please sign our petition to the European Parliament at www.nocruelcosmetics.org. Together we can show there is no public appetite for animal tested cosmetics and urge the European Parliament to vote against delaying this ban."

Despite UK and EU bans on the use of animals to test cosmetics and toiletries, cosmetic companies are still allowed to sell products within the EU that have been tested on animals in other parts of the world.

The BUAV has launched the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign calling for the ban on it to come into effect as planned in 2013.