US House of Representatives introduces bill to end cosmetic testing on animals

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jun 25, 2015

The animal testing of cosmetics products and ingredients may get put to an end under the Humane Cosmetics Act introduced by the US House of Representatives.

A poll conducted found that 73% of American voters want to see an end to animal testing of cosmetics, a sentiment felt by 30 other countries around the world that have implemented a ban. The United States law does not require animal testing of cosmetics, but it does not prohibit it, thus leading to thousands of animals like mice, rats, rabbits and guinea pigs suffering and dying due to product tests that require substances to be forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes, and smeared onto their skin. Canada first introduced the legislation and now the US is following suit.
 
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States said: "Given the ready availability of alternatives, there is no compelling reason to continue using outdated animal testing methods that cause tremendous animal suffering. So many companies are already using non-animal tests for shampoos, makeups and other products sold around the world, and the United States can help accelerate that trend."

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Lush, Coty, The Body Shop, Overstock, Paul Mitchell and over 140 cosmetics companies support the bill, and multi-national cosmetics manufacturers that already comply with these laws are encouraged to support the act.
 
The bill is endorsed by The HSUS and HSLF spearheading the #BeCrueltyFree campaign in the U.S., and Humane Society International leading the campaign globally.