New Animal Friendly Buying Policy

An animal friendly purchasing policy framework recently adopted by Leicester City Council is believed to be the first of its kind, according to the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV).

Developed during eight months' background work and research by the authority's Animal Friendly Working Group, the policy aims to ensure the council buys products that have not been tested on animals.

It is aimed in particular at cleaning products, cosmetics and toiletries, such as soaps and bleach.

It also covers office products such as adhesives, correction fluid, ink cartridges etc, as well as uniforms and equipment, such as clothes dyes, leather items etc.

The working group, chaired by Cllr Carlym Sandringham, started developing the policy following a declaration by council, leader, Cllr Roger Blackmore, in June 2005.

Cllr Blackmore told cabinet members: "In future, we will no longer, either by act or omission, be considered even remotely, a part of these inhumane practices supposedly done on our behalf."

Said Cllr Sandringham: "The claim that animal testing gives a reliable indication of the safety to humans of chemicals, products and their applications, is increasingly being challenged. There are very sophisticated alternative non-animal research techniques available today, and these can be cheaper and quicker, as well as offering more reliable results. And more importantly, the policy is going to have a beneficial effect on animals."

The policy will commit the council to ensuring that its future buying precludes any animal testing by suppliers.

A series of key actions is outlined involving an audit of all suppliers of cleaning products, office supplies and uniforms.