Humane Society International/Europe and Lush Cosmetics have launched the largest-ever global campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics. The campaign, launched to coincide with World Week for Animals in Laboratories, is being rolled out simultaneously in 48 countries and more than 700 Lush stores across the European Union, United States, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia. HSI also operates a scientific outreach program in other countries where the testing of cosmetics on animals is still required by law.
Troy Seidle, director of research & toxicology for Humane Society International/Europe, said, “Animal testing is the ugly secret of the beauty industry, and it’s time for it to stop. Thousands of animals such as rabbits and mice continue to endure chemical poisoning tests just to produce new lipsticks and shampoos, and that’s simply unacceptable in a modern society.”
Across the UK and European Union, where animal testing of cosmetics is already banned, Lush and Humane Society International are campaigning to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals abroad. A sales ban is due to be implemented in March 2013, but the European Commission is currently considering delaying it or creating a loophole for companies, so consumers are being urged to sign HSI/Europe’s CrueltyFree2013 petition in Lush stores and online.
Outside the EU, animal testing for cosmetics continues and is even a legal requirement in some countries. HSI affiliates in Australia, Canada, India and the United States are joining with Lush to end cosmetics cruelty with nationwide consumer campaigns in each region. HSI will also be working with politicians, regulators and scientists to press for change.
Hilary Jones, ethics director at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, said, “The animals have waited over 20 years for this legislation to be fully enacted. Whilst the laws were not strong enough, companies like Lush have adopted voluntary codes of practice to cut animal testing from their business. But animals should not have to rely on voluntary codes of conduct, they should be protected by robust laws which force ALL companies to adopt humane methods to bring their products to market. The public demanded this legislation in the 80s and 90s – it is time to honor the promise given to them to take animals out of cosmetics testing.”
Lush and Humane Society International believe that testing on animals to produce new cosmetic products or ingredients is unjustified. Animals are subjected to considerable pain and distress during toxicity tests Animal toxicity tests are also scientifically unreliable for assuring human safety because animals and humans can respond very differently to the same chemicals.
Animal testing for cosmetic is indeed a cruelty action of human being to the impoverished animals. I believe that every animals should be given proper treatment the way it should be. The launching of this campaign could greatly help the animals.
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