At long last… The US may finally be about to join billions of people in countries – like India and nations in the EU — that have sought to end the needless suffering of many animals by banning animal tested cosmetics and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. With the bipartisan support of 174 House cosponsors, Republican and Democrat sponsors have planned to reintroduce the Humane Cosmetics Act.

Even though legislation hasn’t been passed yet, it’s good news politicians are finally sending the message that the torture of animals is inhumane. Animals tested for cosmetics have chemicals applied to their skin that make them sick. They are killed at the end of experiments which often yield results that are unreliable – animals do not react to chemicals the same way as humans do. In addition to being inhumane, animal testing is unnecessary: we already have technologies that are faster and less costly.

So are we finally seeing the end of the myth of the “necessity” of “animal sacrifice”? Last year it was revealed that the majority of the American public is against animal cruelty.  However, until the act is passed, we should let our senators or congress-people know how the public feels about animal suffering: that it’s unnecessary and unacceptable.

Jessica Ellen Monk

Americans’ opposition to animal testing at record high, survey finds

This Legislation Could Make Animal Testing for Cosmetics in the U.S. a Thing of the Past