Mexico has become the first country in North America to ban animal testing for cosmetics following HSI's successful Save Ralph campaign
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Mexico has made history by becoming the first country in North America to ban animal testing for cosmetics.
Mexico is now the 41st country globally to ban animal testing for cosmetics.
In addition, the new law bans the manufacture, import, and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals elsewhere in the world.
Moreover, the landmark victory for the cruelty-free movement was propelled by HSI’s star-studded Save Ralph campaign.
Mexico’s animal testing ban
Animal welfare group Humane Society International (HSI) and ONG Te Protejo dedicated years to the #BeCrueltyFree Mexico campaign.
Following the ban, the groups jointly stated: “We are thrilled to see Mexico become the first country in North America to outlaw cosmetic animal testing and commend our bill sponsor Senator Ricardo Monreal, and all congressmen and women for voting to end cosmetic animal testing in Mexico.”
In a statement made to Vegan Food & Living, HSI Executive Director Antón Aguilar shared: “We thank the Mexican Government for showing leadership on this important issue.
“This is a monumental step forward for animals, consumers and science in Mexico, and this ground-breaking legislation leads the way for the Americas to become the next cruelty-free beauty market, and brings us one bunny-leap closer to a global ban.”
With the addition of Mexico, animal testing for cosmetics is officially already banned in 41 countries, as well as 10 states in Brazil and seven in the United States.
Three other U.S. states – New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York – are currently considering similar bills, and federal bills are pending reintroduction in both the U.S. and Canada.
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Save Ralph campaign
Legislative momentum in Mexico was strongly influenced by HSI’s animated film Save Ralph.
The heart-breaking story shines a light on the life of a ‘tester’ rabbit who was brought to life by a star-studded multinational and multilingual cast.
Celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Taikai Waititi, and Zac Efron were just a few stars to feature in the animal welfare film.
Save Ralph went viral worldwide, with more than 150 million social media views, 730 million tags on TikTok, and generated more than 1.3 million petition signatures in Mexico.
Actress and advocate Rosario Dawson, who voiced Bonnie in the Spanish version of the Save Ralph film, added: “I was delighted to lend my voice to Humane Society International’s campaign to abolish animal testing for cosmetics, and could not be more proud to see the impact of #SaveRalph in leading Mexico to become the first country in North America to go cosmetics cruelty-free.”
Want to know more about cruelty-free cosmetics? Here’s our ultimate guide to cruelty-free beauty!
