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A host of well-known animal and health advocates have joined forces to fight against animal testing for cosmetics.
A video shared by non-profit health organization PCRM features Moby, Alicia Silverstone, Dr. Neal Barnard and others, calling for legislation to be put in place banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in California. It also stars Genesis Butler, Harley Quinn Smith, andJane Velez-Mitchell.
The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 1249) was introduced in February. If passed it would be unlawful for any cosmetic manufacturer to knowingly import or sell any cosmetic in California if the product or its ingredients were tested on animals, starting January 1, 2020. The bill is moving towards a floor vote – but the date of the vote has not yet been specified.
Support
The video calls upon people to contact their senator asking them to support SB 1249 – which aims to harmonise California law with regulations in over 30 countries including the European Union, Norway, Israel, and India – and vote for it to be passed into law.
During the video, Silverstone says the legislation could help millions of animals – as well as make cosmetic products safer at the same time. Moby adds: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are maimed and killed to test cosmetics and their ingredients. These barbaric experiments usually involve applying chemicals on the shaved skin, or directly into the eyes of helpless animals who are unable to move or even blink.”
Dr. Neal Barnard adds that from a scientific standpoint, humans and animals often respond to chemicals differently. He adds: “Because animal reactions don’t necessarily translate to human ones, many of these tests lead to unhelpful and inaccurate results.”
Animal and health advocates want to see an end to cosmetic animal testing
Cruelty-free market
The proposed legislation is also supported by global animal welfare organization Cruelty Free International.
Monica Engebretson, North American Campaign Manager for Cruelty Free International, said: “Our success in ending cosmetics testing on animals in the European Union and now in a growing number of countries has proven that a cruelty-free cosmetics market is possible.
“We applaud California for introducing this bill to ensure that cosmetics sold in the state are safe and humane.”
California residents cancontact their senators here
