The most effective method to assure changes to animal cruelty perpetrated in the name of 'research' is public involvement. We need to boycott every company that is still using archaic and brutish methods in order to get their products to market.

I am a great supporter of every company that has pledged to non-cruelty testing. While we may disagree with some of PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) actions of late, they still have the most comprehensive lists of those companies that do not test their products or the ingredients on animals. Check their website for the lists and shop exclusively for cruelty-free products. When the bottom line of profit is affected, it is surprising how quickly these changes are made.

There are now a multitude of manners in which to produce everything from cosmetics to medical devices that do not involve the mutilation of and more agonizing pain for animals. If we choose not to be part of the solution, we are in danger of being part of the problem.