AMERICAN ANTI-VIVISECTION SOCIETY INC

Aavs manages the leaping bunny program of the coalition for consumer information on cosmetics (ccic), which is chaired by aavs president sue leary. The leaping bunny program provides a highly valued and trusted service for compassionate consumers who wish to avoid products tested on animals. Through its cruelty-free standard and the internationally recognized leaping bunny logo, the program certifies companies producing cruelty-free cosmetic, personal care, and household products. The list of over 2300 certified companies is publicly available at no cost on leapingbunny.org and in apps for smartphones. Program staff oversee certified companies' annual recommitments and conduct audits on selected companies to ensure compliance with the standard. The program continued further development and implementation of the leaping bunny china qualification program, requiring certified companies to allow that registrations in china be audited by ccic-selected experts in order to assure that no animal testing is conducted in response to the country's complicated regulatory system. Consumers are informed through very active and engaging social media, and a popular monthly online newsletter. Program staff regularly serve as a reliable, respected resource for media; deliver presentations to companies; and are interviewed on the topic of animal testing for a general audience.