Cosmetics that have used animal testing will be banned in New York under a measure approved Thursday evening by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Manufacturing of cosmetics that have used animal testing will also be prohibited under the new law, which is set to take effect on Jan. 1.
The measure comes after years of outcry from animal advocates who have opposed animal testing in the industry. Its approval also comes days after Hochul approved a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York.
California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, and Louisiana have put similar restrictions in place. Thirty countries have also put bans in place.
“For decades, helpless animals have been subjected to cruel and painful experiments simply for the creation of cosmetic products,” said Manhattan Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, who sponsored the measure with Democratic state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi of the Bronx. “At the same time, research methods have evolved, rendering unnecessary the requirement that animals undergo inhumane tests to help companies create a new mascara or shampoo. In 2008, I passed a law prohibiting the use of cruel animal testing methods in cases where an alternative was available. The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act is the final step in ensuring that New York State is free of cosmetics tested on animals for our own vanity. "
Consumer surveys have found claims on cosmetic packaging that animals were not tested on when developing the cosmetic product were the most important when deciding which product to buy. Products that do not test on animals have grown in popularity over the years.
Many of the tests can result in long-term injuries for animals, including burns, ulcers and blindness as well as death.