Celebrities unite to end animal experiments, by famous photographer Rankin

To mark World Animal Free Research Day, world-renowned photographer Rankin has brought together seven British celebrities and two rescued beagles for a striking campaign with Animal Free Research UK. The message? It’s time to end animal testing in British laboratories and embrace kinder, more effective alternatives.

Famous faces, important voices, all for the voiceless

The black-and-white portraits feature familiar names including Pete Wicks, Deborah Meaden, Diane Morgan, Kirsty Gallacher, Russell Kane, Jake Lambert and Pandora Christie, all posing with beagles Luna and Elvis. Wearing specially designed t-shirts by illustrator Emily Sutton, the group champions a vision of a brighter, cruelty-free future. The shirts, with colourful landscapes and the slogan “A Brighter Future, Free from Animal Testing,” are now on sale via the charity’s website.

Introducing Herbie’s Law

This campaign supports the introduction of Herbie’s Law – named after a beagle bred for animal testing but never used. The proposed legislation would phase out animal experiments over 10 years and fast-track modern, humane research methods such as AI, 3D cell cultures and organ-on-a-chip technology. Despite advances, over 2.6 million animals are still used in UK labs annually.

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A movement with momentum

Pexels/Danie Rodriguez

With public support growing – 70% of Britons back a ban by 2035 – and cross-party political interest increasing, Animal Free Research UK believes now is the time to act. CEO Carla Owen highlighted the suffering of animals like beagles, chosen for their docile nature, and called on the Government to lead the way in pioneering ethical science.

A future without animal testing

With the backing of celebrities, scientists and the public, Herbie’s Law could become a landmark step toward compassionate research. As Rankin said: “It’s shocking we’re still testing on animals when alternatives exist. This has to change.”