Unleashed: Cosmetic testing on animals could be banned soon

Photo courtesy Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue

Passage of a new federal bill would bring the U.S. in line with legislation in more than 30 other countries

The sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics and animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients would be phased out under legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill has been assigned to a congressional committee, which will consider it before possibly sending it on to the House or Senate.

Passage of the Humane Cosmetics Act, H.R.2858, would bring the U.S. in line with more than 30 other countries and more than 1.7 billion consumers, who already abide by similar bans.

“Given the ready availability of alternatives, there is no compelling reason to continue using outdated animal testing methods that cause tremendous animal suffering,” says Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). “So many companies are already using non-animal tests for shampoos, makeup and other products sold around the world, and the United States can help accelerate that trend.”

U.S. law neither requires nor prohibits animal testing for cosmetics. Still, in laboratories nationwide, thousands of mice, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs are suffering and dying from extreme exposure to beauty products and their ingredients.

A 2013 HSUS and Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) poll found 73% of American voters are in favor of federal legislation to end animal testing for cosmetics. And, with the introduction of legislation this summer in Canada and the U.S., North America is poised to be the next marketplace to embrace cruelty-free cosmetics.

Besides being endorsed by HSUS, the Humane Cosmetics Act has the support of celebrities Kesha, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Ricky Gervais, and more than 140 companies in the cosmetics industry such as LUSH, COTY, The Body Shop, Overstock and Paul Mitchell.

The HSLF is spearheading the #BeCrueltyFree campaign in the U.S., and Humane Society International is leading the campaign globally.

Get more information or to let legislators know your position on the bill.

Creature feature

If you’ve been searching for a rescued rabbit or rodent, Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue has a plenty of bunnies and guinea pigs—natural beauties—available for adoption including:

Claude is a long-coated, mixed American fuzzy lop. Surrendered to a local shelter, Claude was dirty and thin when he arrived at MHRR. He’s since been groomed and provided with great food, so his condition is improving by the day. He does well with the small dogs in his foster home.

Max is a 5-year-old Flemish giant/checkered giant mix. Weighing in at 14 pounds, this big guy is very social. (While he is on the waiting list to enter a foster home, Max is available for adoption.)

This little (guinea) piggie came to MHRR in July 2015. It’s hard to estimate Burt’s age, but his pointy little nose will be sure to make you smile.

Santa Fe was surrendered to MHRR from a family, but she was previously a stray. Santa Fe appears to be middle-aged. This mixed Holland lop is shy at first; but, in her previous home, she was very friendly. She has been around cats, dogs and another bunny.

Carousel was rescued from a fair about 6 months ago. He has one blue eye, and one dark brown. Two little boys were tossing him around, after they had “won” him at a game. At about a year of age, he was just a little larger than the current size of his head when he rescued him. Carousel comes when called; he also loves to hop around and kick his heels in the air as well as to be held and petted. He is sweet, smart and is litterbox trained. He loves being outside, but loves cuddling on the couch as well. He is very gentle and not afraid of other animals. In fact, he would love to play with bunny-safe dogs.

Patches is a 5-year-old short-coated bunny rabbit mix. Both independent and inquisitive, Patches always wants to find out what his people are doing. He loves to take treats, tolerates nail trims well and is litterbox trained.

These and many other adoptable bunnies and rabbits are available at Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue or on Facebook.