Beauty Without Cruelty

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1975-1985

With specific goals in mind BWC has sincerely carried out its work, however kept a low profile. Most tasks undertaken have been difficult, often seemed impossible to achieve, but frustration has never made the organization give up. Sticking to facts, a persistent follow-up and constantly looking for new ways to achieve its aims has led BWC to success in many instances.

1975

“List of Honour” published
On the basis of information gathered from manufacturers, BWC came out with its very first edition of the “List of Honour” containing names of cosmetics and toilet preparations manufactured in India which were free of animal substances and not tested by means of experiments upon animals.

1976

Trade in Snake Skin Ends
In the late 1976 BWC began creating an awareness of the cruelties inflicted upon reptiles for their skins. Evidence of snakes skinned alive, and crocodiles illegally captured for obtaining leather used for luxury items was condemned by BWC. Alternative non-animal materials that looked like monitor lizard, python skin, etc. goods were promoted by BWC. BWC’s plea to stop trade in reptile skins was granted when 1980 onwards, all types of snakes were given protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Crocodile Farming Not Permitted
In India crocodile breeding started as a conservation measure and turned out to be over-successful, but as crocodiles were not released into the wild as originally planned and breeding was not halted on advice from the Ministry in 1981, vested interests wanted permission to ‘harvest’ their skins to make ladies’ shoes and handbags, wallets, belts, watch straps, and such vanity items. BWC strongly objected and has obtained periodic assurances from the Government of India that crocodile farming will never be permitted.

1977

Export of Painted Finches Banned
BWC had pointed out to the Government in 1977 that for export painted finches were literally being painted with harmful dyes. Such exports were immediately stopped.

Compassionate Friend Magazine
BWC's quarterly journal Compassionate Friend was first published in 1977. Distributed free to all members, it is the only animal rights magazine in India which contains unexaggerated and factual information. In 1998 the IInd All India House Journal Competition organized by the Mayaram Surjan Foundation (DNA Group) presented BWC with their Special Award in the category of publications for Non-Governmental Organizations.

1978

Polyester Silky Brocade
The first polyester brocade/zari sari in silky finish woven on hand-loom by weavers in Varanasi was the result of 4 years research by BWC. Despite this know-how being available since 1978 due to the reluctance on the part of weavers and insufficient public demand, the saris are not commercially available.

Pegasus Award
The advertisement campaign BWC undertook in 1978 captioned “Pretty, isn’t it?” won the prestigious Reader’s Digest Pegasus Award for highlighting animal exploitation.

1979

Turtles no longer in a Soup
In 1979 armed with first hand photographic evidence, BWC exposed the capture of turtles at Digha beach (turned over on their backs on the hot sand in order to immobilise them) from the beaches off the east coast of India in Orissa. But the ban on their consumption (they were transported live to cities where they were clandestinely sold to be converted into traditional Bengali dishes) was not implemented till years later when again based on first hand information of illegal trade provided by BWC, successful raids were carried out in 1990 in Kolkata’s New Market and New Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park.

1980

Dog Leather
In 1980 BWC was shocked to learn that the Municipal Corporation of Chennai had begun flaying, tanning and selling the skin of stray dogs destroyed. Considerable anti-publicity generated widely by BWC resulted in them passing off the skins simply as leather although they went on to export skins of cats, porcine, rats, etc. Years later it was abandoned.

Doves Export Ban
BWC strongly backed the Jain community’s objections to doves being included in the list of birds permitted to be exported from India in 1980. As a result of protest letters and telegrams to the Government, doves were taken off the list by the end of the year.

1981

Signature Campaign
Although BWC had received an assurance from the Government that plans for mink farming were dropped, plans to specially breed other species of fur bearing animals were announced in 1981. A petition of over 150,000 signatures in protest (including 105 Members of Parliament) was therefore submitted by BWC in 1982 to the then Prime Minister. Although the breeding of rabbits and Karakul lambs (at the time) was not stopped, no new animals were bred to be killed under the proposed scheme of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

1982

Fox tails Confiscated
In 1982 fox tails were found to be hanging in most vehicles. Investigations revealed the animals were illegally killed for their tails. The Maharashtra Wildlife Department was therefore alerted by BWC and in Mumbai alone they confiscated about 1000 fox tails.

Amendments to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act, 1960
In 1982 suggestions for amending The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Act, 1960, as given by BWC were partly accepted by the Government.

Ban on Use of Live Bait
In spite of legislation against the use of live bait, BWC found that the Government was using live bait as prey for carnivorous animals. In 1997 BWC sent a detailed study to the Government pointing out the cruelty involved even though it was no longer used for entertainment purposes. On several occasions a strong protest was lodged with the Government of India, resulting in an assurance given that the practice of utilizing live bait would be discontinued in all States.

1983

Forest Saved
In 1983 thanks to the persistent efforts of BWC and some environmental and animal welfare organisations the Kerala State Government finally dropped the Silent Valley hydroelectric project. This not only helped in conserving the magnificent trees but also the wild animals inhabiting the area.

1984

Import of Animal Rennet Banned
As a result of a 7 year effort, in 1984 BWC persuaded the Government of India to impose a total ban on the import of animal rennet used in cheese-making. As this ban still exists, all Indian made cheese is free from animal rennet.

1985

BWC Film
In 1980 BWC began making a 20-minute film entitled “Beauty Without Cruelty” so that people become aware of the suffering and death inflicted upon innocent animals for the luxury trades in India. As no creature was specially subjected to suffering or death during filming, it took several years to complete (was released in 1985) and it cost much more than expected, but it was well worth the effort and expense because to this day the film encourages people to use products of non-animal origin instead.

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