The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) is urging Christmas shoppers to only purchase gifts that have not been tested on animals this festive season.

Shoppers can avoid cruel animal testing by purchasing products bearing the BUAV's Leaping Bunny trademark – the internationally recognised gold standard which guarantees a company does not test their cosmetics and toiletries on animals.

Many people are unaware that cosmetics and toiletries on UK shelves can still be tested on animals.

Despite UK and EU bans on animal tests for cosmetics, many products available in UK high street stores have been animal tested in other parts of the world.

Yet, cruelty-free shopping has never been easier.

As more and more companies are joining the BUAV Leaping Bunny scheme, there is an even wider selection of products for both men and women.

You can buy gifts from BUAV certified companies such as Neal's Yard Remedies, Liz Earle, Faith in Nature, Melvita, The Body Shop, BM beauty and Bulldog Natural Skincare, as well as products made by major high-street retailers such as The Co-operative, Superdrug, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Argos.

For a full list of BUAV certified companies, please visit www.GoCrueltyFree.org.

Please look for the BUAV's Leaping Bunny when choosing your cruelty-free Christmas gifts and sign the www.NoCruelCosmetics.org petition.

Michelle Thew

Chief executive

BUAV