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The California State Assembly has unanimously passed Senate Bill 1249, which would make it illegal for cosmetics manufacturers to sell any cosmetics that have been knowingly tested on animals from January 2020, making it the first US state to do so.
The bill was authored by Senator Cathleen Galgiani and co-sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Social Compassion in Legislation. All 80 members of the State Assembly approved the legislation.
After the votes, Senator Galgiani said: ‘I’m proud of California lawmakers for moving science, industry and ethics forward today. Cruelty-free cosmetics are good for business, safe for humans and don’t harm animals.’
Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation, said: ‘This historic bill will save thousands of animals every year. It’s truly inspirational to see industry, animal protection, science advocates and legislators working together to achieve this honourable objective.’
As soon as Governor Jerry Brown signs the bill, California will join the ever-growing list of countries and states that have banned or restricted animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
Assembly member and co-author of the bill Ash Kalra said: ‘I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to present SB 1249 on the Assembly floor, which would put a ban on animal testing in cosmetics, in favour of more ethical approaches to cosmetic testing. This compromise reflects how business interests and consumer protection can go hand in hand, and I commend animal rights activists and the cosmetics industry alike, as we move forward on this important legislation to protect animals and adopt cruelty-free cosmetics.’
Puppy mills
California is leading the way when it comes to cruelty-free living as the state also recently placed the nation’s first statewide ban on the sale of puppy mill animals by pet stores.
he law, which goes into effect January 1, 2019, will require any pet store that wants to sell animals (dogs, cats, and rabbits) to work with local animal shelters or rescue groups — or face a $500 fine per sale of any large-scale-breeder-produced animal.
