Judi Dench backs animal testing ban

Dame Judi Dench is among the stars that have spoken out in support of a European ban on animal testing.

The actress, who backs a number of philanthropic projects including a charity which helps poverty-stricken Indian children, has applauded proposed European Union legislation which will see a ban on products developed through testing on laboratory animals by 2013.

However, Dench, along with other celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Melanie Chisholm and the daughter of former Beatle Paul McCartney, Mary, has expressed fears that the rule change could be pushed back.

"Using animals to test cosmetics is cruel and should be stopped. These days there are other means of testing which do not involve animal suffering," the As Time Goes By star said.

"I totally support a sales ban and urge EU politicians to keep their promise to help stop this practice by 2013."

Mary added: "Subjecting animals to pain and suffering just so that we can produce a new shade of lipstick or eye-shadow is simply cruel and unnecessary in this day and age."

Earlier this year, Dench confirmed that she will return for the 23rd instalment of the James Bond franchise.