NEW YORK BANS COSMETICS TESTED ON ANIMALS

New York has become the tenth US state to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. The New York Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was signed into law on December 15, and it prevents the sale and production of cosmetic products tested on animals. This law will apply throughout New York State. Such restrictions are already in place in New Jersey, California, Louisiana and Nevada, along with Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Maine and Hawaii. "Cosmetics testing methods have evolved, making it unnecessary to require animals to undergo inhumane tests to help companies create a new mascara or shampoo," New York State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal said in a statement.

New York’s new legislation lends weight to ongoing calls for a nationwide ban on cosmetics animal testing. The Humane Cosmetics Act, which is currently passing through the US judicial system, would implement such restrictions. The act has garnered endorsement from more than just politicians and public opinion. To date, 377 companies have pledged their support. Among them are large organizations including Unilever, the Body Shop, and Walgreens.