Cruelty Free International and 19 Animal Welfare Organizations Applaud the Introduction of New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act in the State Legislature
Cruelty Free International, the leading organization working to end animal experiments worldwide has been joined by 19 national and New York-based animal welfare organizations to applaud Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi on their introduction of the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (A5653-A/S4839).
The bill will prohibit the use of animal-based testing for cosmetic products in New York and prohibit the sale of any cosmetic product that has been tested on animals in the state after the date of enactment.
Approved non-animal tests have been shown to safely, effectively, and reliably demonstrate the efficacy and safety of ingredients used in cosmetics. Additionally, combinations of existing ingredients already established as safe for human use are widely available.
“People say that beauty is pain, but innocent animals should not be forced to suffer for our vanity, especially not when cruelty-free alternatives exist,” said New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Committee on Social Services. “Animal testing for cosmetics is painful, cruel and unnecessary. Prohibiting the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients that were tested on animals will benefit animals, consumers and the industry as a whole. It is imperative that New York pass this law.”
“Advocates have demanded cosmetic companies to stop using animals to test their products for years, and it is long past time for New York State to join the thirty countries that have already outlawed animal-testing,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “I am proud to introduce this legislation in Albany and work alongside Assemblymember Rosenthal, Cruelty Free International and many other animal welfare organizations to end animal testing for cosmetics in New York State for good.”
“We are thrilled that this bill has garnered such wide support in a state as important as New York,” said Monica Engebretson, Cruelty Free International North America Campaign Manager. “Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Biaggi are great champions of laws that improve the lives of animals in New York and it is fitting that they bring an end to animal testing for cosmetics in New York.
Because of New York’s association with the fashion and beauty industries, passing the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act would help catapult a national ban on animal testing.”
The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the leading national trade association representing cosmetics and personal care products companies, also supports the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act. PCPC’s 600 member companies represent more than 90% of the U.S. beauty industry.
“The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies are proud of our long-standing commitment to end animal testing for cosmetics and personal care products,” said Lezlee Westine, President and CEO of the PCPC. “Our work with Cruelty Free International and other key stakeholders is critical in our advocacy for legislation that helps us protect animal welfare while supporting modern approaches to assure safe and innovative products that consumers trust and enjoy every day.”
New York would join California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland and Virginia in banning the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. Around the world, 40 countries already ban animal testing for cosmetics and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. A 2019 online poll conducted by SurveyUSA and commissioned by Cruelty Free International revealed that opposition to animal testing for cosmetics is strong across generations and that support for a national law prohibiting the practice is high across party lines.
Cruelty Free International is one of the world’s longest-standing and most respected animal protection organizations. The organization is widely regarded as an authority on animal testing issues and is frequently called upon by governments, media, corporations and official bodies for its advice or expert opinion. www.crueltyfreeinternational.org
