just had to put in my two cents here, saw this old post and wanted to comment on it, i agree with Coolbar, if they had to test something that could save millions of human lives on a rat, i honestly can't say i'd mind...i know it sounds cruel, but i'm not really a PETA person myself and i think that certain animals are usful to us humans in certain ways. i may have a total double standard here, because if they tested on dogs, i'd be furious, or cats even, but rats don't bother me one bit, they can be pets to some people i guess, but to me they are just rodents, and btw our precious yorkies just love to chase and catch em'
i was raised that certain animals are put on this earth for human use, such as deer, cattle, pigs, turkey, chicken, ext. there is nothing wrong with hunting them in an ethical way and making a clean kill and eating them and using their hide. i believe strongly that most/all parts should be used when taking an animals life for food and warmth. i guess i'm quite Native American in this principle. but rats i don't really give a "rat's butt" about. sorry just being honest and this is MY OPINION.
i hope those cosmetic companies aren't testing products on dogs and cats, if they are that's sick and disgusting, but if i allowed myself to boycott every company that in some way tests a product on animals i would have to give up bathing, smelling good, wearing make-up and any other hygienic product, because it seems like everything i use to get ready every day is on the list...so personally, i'm ignoring the list and going on with my life here...just my own personal choices.