Animal rights group to decide on new hallmark

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection is considering proposals from London consultancy Lawrence & Beavan for a new international hallmark device.

The logo will replace the white rabbit marque currently used by BUAV. The organisation hopes to persuade animal rights groups worldwide to adopt the new device (DW 31 October).

“The rabbit has become the universally accepted symbol and so we have retained it as the central image,” says Lawrence & Beavan partner Hilly Beavan.

“But we have also tried to create something that is acceptable to all cultures,” she adds.

BUAV will approach international animal rights groups to agree a final design and criteria for its implementation. A BUAV spokeswoman says she has no idea how long this might take.

Beavan says Labour’s recent decision to ban animal testing on finished products does not apply to ingredients and so does not affect BUAV’s plans. Lawrence & Beavan has worked with BUAV since 1980.

Former Overseas Development Agency, the Department for International Development, is considering the introduction of a hallmark device to denote ethically sound products.