Animal testing is defined as scientific experiments in which a live animal is forced to undergo testing that is likely to cause them pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm according to Cruelty-Free International. It is one of the many forms of animal cruelty that takes place in the world today. “Save Ralph” is a short film that captures the pain animal testees have to go through on a daily basis. Every year in the U.S., millions of animals suffer and die due to chemical, drug, food and product tests. This needs to be stopped before more animals are sentenced to a life of suffering.

“Save Ralph” depicts the daily routine of Ralph, a “tester” in a lab who has to go through chemical testing. The animated short film starts off with Ralph, a rabbit, who is already blind in one eye, deaf in one ear and has painful chemical burns running up and down his back. As Ralph goes through his morning routine he states “but at the end of the day it’s okay, we do it for the humans right? They’re far superior to us animals.” Then as he eats his breakfast he casually discusses how his entire family worked as “testers” and how they have all died. 

The pain Ralph expresses throughout the film is heartbreaking, as are the disabilities he has to live with just so certain consumers feel safer using a product. 

“It’s so important that Ralph feels real because he represents countless real animals who suffer every day.” said Spencer Susser, the director of “Save Ralph,” in a statement.

Sadly enough, animal testing, for all the excessive suffering it produces, does not actually serve any legitimate purpose. According to Pets, it is well documented that animal testing is ineffective, as 90% of basic animal tests fail.

Many household brands perform animal cruelty in order to make their products even though animal testing does not actually equate to a safer product. A couple of cruelty-free brands are Wet n Wild, E.l.f cosmetics and Derma E. Yet the multitude of brands that test, torment and torture animals just keeps growing. Popular make-up brands such as L’Oréal, MAC and Sephora still take part in these immoral actions. 

We can combat animal cruelty by drastically reducing, if not eliminating, our usage of brands that perform animal testing on their products. An easy way to do this is to use websites such as Beauty Without Bunnies by PETA or apps such as Cruelty-Cutter. These resources allow you to look up any brand and see if they are Cruelty-Free before purchasing their products. One can also sign petitions to support Cruelty-Free movements, a simple action that can make a big difference. Start improving the lives of animals today by taking these steps, you have the power to save millions.