Founded in 1898, Cruelty Free International is one of the world’s oldest and most respected animal protection organisations. Emerging from the early social justice movement, we have spent more than a century leading the global campaign to end animal testing – transforming compassion into lasting change for animals.
From our earliest days, we have raised public awareness, influenced legislation, and inspired generations of policymakers, scientists, regulators, consumer brands, and compassionate individuals to help create a world where animals are no longer used in experiments.
Origins: The British Union
Our story began in 1898 at a public meeting in Bristol, UK, when Frances Power Cobbe, a pioneering women’s rights advocate, writer, and philanthropist, founded The British Union. Deeply concerned about the suffering of animals she witnessed during her travels through Europe, Frances became a relentless campaigner against ‘vivisection’ – as animal experimentation was then known.
In 1949, we became known as the BUAV – the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. The BUAV was highly respected for our advocacy, pioneering investigative exposés, high-profile legal challenges, and scientific work to encourage the development and use of non-animal testing methods.
Today:
We are Cruelty Free International
On 1 June 2015, we became Cruelty Free International, reflecting our global mission to end animal experiments everywhere. Today, our organisation is recognised as a world authority in cruelty-free science, policy, and sustainable product development, leading initiatives that have reshaped industries and influenced policy and legislation worldwide.
With over a century of achievement behind us and a visionary future ahead, Cruelty Free International continues to lead the world towards one clear goal – a future where no animal suffers in a laboratory, anywhere in the world.
Learn more: Resource Centre
Visit our Campaigns page to discover how we’re continuing to create a cruelty-free world.
To find out how you can support our vital work, check out Support Us.
News & Updates
NIH advances non-animal research
NIH advances non-animal research
Cruelty Free Cleaning bill introduced in New York
Cruelty Free Cleaning bill introduced in New York
Upper Tribunal says secrecy around UK animal experiments is unlawful
Upper Tribunal says secrecy around UK animal experiments is unlawful
Creating change for animals at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Summer School
Creating change for animals at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics Summer School
Europe takes action to phase out animal testing of Botox products
Europe takes action to phase out animal testing of Botox products
Building on FDA Modernization to Replace Animal Tests
