Simon Cowell, Vanessa-Mae & Julian Clary Photographed by Rankin to Launch the Cruelty Free International Global Campaign to End Dog Experiments

LONDON, November 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Simon Cowell and a team of celebrities, including violinist Vanessa-Mae, comedian and author Julian Clary, and actors Michael Fox (Downton Abbey) and Eleanor Matsuura (Cuffs) have been photographed with their companion dogs by world renowned portrait photographer, Rankin, to mark the launch of a global campaign by Cruelty Free International to end the use of dogs in experiments.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287302 )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287303 )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287300 )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287301 )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287299 )

     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150121/726834 )

Simon was joined by Squiddly, Diddly and Freddie in Rankin's London studio for the photo shoot to tell the world that dogs do not belong in laboratories.

In support of the campaign, Simon said, "I have always loved dogs but had no idea how much happiness they would bring to my life. Squiddly, Diddly and, now, Freddie are hugely important members of my family - and even the thought of any dog being mistreated sickens me. That's why I'm supporting Cruelty Free International - to stop dogs being used for experiments in laboratories around the world. No dog should be treated in such a way. After all, they are man's (and woman's) best friend."

Cruelty Free International Ambassador Vanessa-Mae, accompanied by Chihuahua, Max, said, "Dogs share our homes and our lives. The thought of the thousands of dogs who suffer and die in laboratories worldwide is too horrific to comprehend. As an Ambassador for Cruelty Free International, I am speaking out against experiments on dogs.  Together we can end this cruelty once and for all."

Julian, who was joined by Albert and Valerie, stated: "Albert and Valerie are a part of my family and are always by my side. I adore them, so the idea of so many dogs suffering or dying in experiments right here in the UK and across the world is absolutely heart-breaking. I am delighted to join Cruelty Free International and its new campaign to end the use of dogs in laboratories. "

Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International, said, "We are thrilled to have such high profile support for our global campaign to end experiments on dogs. There are strong ethical and scientific reasons against using dogs in research. Dogs are trusting and forgiving yet they are being betrayed in their thousands by humans, the very ones they look to for affection and reassurance."

Every year, thousands of dogs suffer in cruel experiments across the world; 2,742 dogs were used in the UK in 2014; 17,896 dogs were used in the EU in 2011, with the top five users being France, the UK, Finland, Germany and Spain. While in the US, 59,358 dogs were used in experiments in 2014.

Beagles are the most commonly used breed. They are mainly subjected to poisoning tests (known as toxicity testing) in which they are force fed, forced to inhale or injected with drugs and chemicals to see what dose will sicken or kill them.

The Cruelty Free International campaign will place the use of dogs in experiments on the global political and public agenda; raising public awareness and persuading governments, regulators and key decision-makers to end the use of dogs in testing.

For more information, contact media@crueltyfreeinternational.org or +44(0)2076196978  +44(0)7850510955 www.crueltyfreeinternational.org

NOTES

Images: http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs-campaign-photos

Campaign: www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/dogs

Cruelty Free International is one of the world's longest standing and most respected animal protection organisations. The organisation is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and is frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for its advice or expert opinion.