At P&G, animal cruelty in product development research is neither practiced nor condoned. In fact, P&G works diligently follow and promote the three Rs of animal testing--refine, reduce, replace. Since 1984, we have invested over $190 million in developing alternatives to Procter and Gamble animal testing, which has resulted in over 50 proven alternatives.

We use animals only as a last resort when all other reasonable options to ensure our products are safe and effective have been exhausted here at P&G. Animal cruelty is something we continually try to avoid and denounce by seeking input from the world's leading experts and by supporting independent review of our standards and inspection of our facilities. By sharing the findings of our research and by sharing knowledge of alternatives to animal testing discovered by P&G, animal cruelty can be reduced or eliminated by others conducting similar research around the world.

We have begun using worldwide computer networks and models, in vitro cell culture tests, advanced chemistry methods, and human clinical studies to help avoid any P&G animal cruelty in our research. This has allowed us to eliminate at least half of the animal tests that would have been required two decades ago. On June 30, 1999, P&G officially ended the use of animal tests for beauty, fabric, home care, and paper products, except where required by law.

Also in an effort to eliminate possible P&G animal cruelty in our research, we conduct all product research in house. That way, we can make sure our high standards for animal care are upheld.

We are committed to moving toward research methods that involve as little animal testing as possible here at P&G. Animal cruelty-free research is possible. We will continue working with governments around the world to develop and validate these alternative research methods in an effort to work toward animal-free research in the future.