Back in October I posted about the use of animal testing in cosmetics and how I found this practice barbaric and deplorable since humane alternatives exist and have been in use for years by many companies. I posted this as my entry for the Blog the Change for Animals hop, which is held four times a year and aims to highlight issues concerning animal welfare and rescue.
I was thrilled and pleasantly surprised this week to read about the introduction of the Humane Cosmetics Act, which proposes to prohibit animal testing for all cosmetics sold or manufactured in the United States. The act enjoys bipartisan support and was sponsored by U.S. Representatives Martha McSally (R-AZ), Don Beyer (D-VA), Joe Heck (R-NV) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA). The act is also supported by cosmetics industry powerhouses like Paul Mitchell and The Body Shop, both of which already prohibit animal testing on their products.
There has been so much horrible news in recent weeks that it was a treat to read something that actually made me smile. I especially love that this act has bipartisan support, as the word "bipartisan" seems increasingly rare nowadays.
The Humane Society launched a Be Cruelty Free campaign to help end animal testing and provides a contact form on its website for Americans to contact their own representatives and ask them to support the new legislation.
Cruelty Free International, the largest organization working to ban animal testing in the world, states that the United States will join the European Union, Israel, and India among those who have banned this outdated practice if the legislation. New Zealand, Brazil, Vietnam and South Korea are also working on bans. As you'll see if you click on this link, Peter Dinklage is the US Ambassador to Cruelty Free International and an advocate to end animal testing on cosmetics and toiletries. If Tyrion Lannister is behind it, it has to be a good thing. :D
In all seriousness, I think anything that can reduce the amount of cruelty in the world is a wonderful thing. This legislation is a step in the right direction.
It's about time. I have purchased my "beauty care" essentials from Paul Mitchell and The Body Shop for years because they don't perform any animal testing. Besides, they are great products.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
The less cruelty in the world, the better. And yeh for bipartisan support!
ReplyDelete@Janie, I love Paul Mitchell products and have been trying to buy only from companies that don't test. This law would be such a great thing.
ReplyDelete@Madeline, my thoughts exactly!
Hearing the news that China has a big dog eating festival and making me ill, this is a nice thing to read and I hope it passes all over the world
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that we're protecting animals. However, I wished we were concerned about protecting our human unborn. Cosmetic companies use aborted baby fetus in their products. Its disgusting.
ReplyDeleteI think it's definitely a step in the right direction. I hardly wear make-up due to allergic reactions to most of it, but I think animal testing just gives cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies skewed results along with a reputation for animal cruelty.
ReplyDelete@Birgit, yeah, I couldn't bear to read about the dog thing.
ReplyDelete@Shelly, I didn't know that but that is repulsive.
@Tyrean, that's a good point.
That's wonderful about the legislation. Hopefully they'll pass it.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
I AGREE!!!!
ReplyDelete@Cherie, I hope so.
ReplyDelete@Shah, agreed!
@Cathy :D
Reducing any cruelty is good news.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend Julie.
People still test on animals? That is so cruel. This act was long overdue.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a wonderful thing to cheer about.
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to be mean or pick on anyone, but I have a hard time believing that cosmetics companies use unborn fetuses in their products. I have seen proof that in the U.S. horrible things are done to horses and donkeys. All this makes me very upset. I am sick of cruelty to anyone or anything that breathes.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
@Suzanne, thanks, you as well.
ReplyDelete@Alex, I honestly thought it was a thing of the past too. Hope it will be soon.
@Blog, agreed!
@Janie, I hate to even think of the horses and donkeys. I became friends with a donkey recently when I visited a farm sanctuary and he was the cutest thing. I agree, any reduction in cruelty is a good thing.
That's wonderful news. I'm surprised it's still a practice in so many countries.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to see this after the bad news of several big companies going back to animal testing. Why they would make a decision like that is beyond me (yes, I read the financial reasons, but they had to know they'd take a hit on the other end from a decision like this.) I love to see the list of other countries taking part.
ReplyDelete@Annalisa, I am too but I guess when money is involved nothing should be a surprise. :(
ReplyDelete@Shannon, oh I didn't even know that about those companies. That makes this even more important then. Hope so much it passes.
This is really good news. I think all types of animals testing is cruel and it's great that something is being done.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie,
ReplyDeleteIn the name of common sense and the welfare of our beloved animal friends, this legislation is most assuredly a positive step forward.
I shall now take the liberty of sharing your important post.
Hugs,
Gary :)
@Murees, I agree 100%.
ReplyDelete@Gary, thanks for sharing it!
I also think that this is a huge step in the right direction. Now I'm really glad I switched over to Paul Mitchell shampoo.
ReplyDeleteJulie
@Julie, I love the Mitchell hair products! I was using them already and then was thrilled to learn they don't test.
ReplyDelete