More than 1.4 million people in the EU have come together to demand an end to animal testing in the cosmetics industry.
They participated in the campaign to eliminate animal testing known as the European Citizens Initiative (ECI), which was led by the animal rights groups Cruelty-Free Europe, PETA, Eurogroup for Animals, and the European Coalition to End Animal Testing.
Launched in August 2021, the project was formally closed to new signatories on August 31, 2022.
In response to allegations that the EU’s ban on cosmetics testing had been broken, it was established.
This is so that novel compounds can undergo the necessary animal testing that is mandated by laws like the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Some of these are employed in the cosmetics industry to assess worker security.
The ECI urges EU politicians to prevent REACH from undermining a complete ban on animal testing. The general population is believed to also desire to watch this.
“Today, European citizens are demanding an end to the cruel use of animals to test ingredients in cosmetics and other chemicals, as well as an ambitious plan to end all animal testing,” stated NGO Animal Rights.
EU on animal testing
Since the initial testing ban in 2004, the EU has gradually made progress. This stopped products that had been tested in their final form from being released on the market.
In 2009, a prohibition on testing food ingredients was implemented as a result. With regard to possibly cancer-causing and hazardous compounds, exclusions were made. This persisted until such exemptions were eliminated in 2013.
The Forever Against Animal Testing petition also calls for the abolition of antiquated practices. The latter was presented to the UN in 2018, bearing 8.3 million signatures. It was introduced shortly after a significant decision by the European Parliament to enact a worldwide ban on cosmetics testing.
What’s next?
In the most recent ECI, advocates for animal rights and manufacturers of cosmetics are working together to put an end to animal testing altogether. These include The Body Shop and Dove. In Europe, more than 10 million animals are still used in testing every year, including mice, monkeys, rabbits, and dogs.
The ECI may now have enough traction after collecting more than a million signatures to enact significant change. We anticipate that both the European Commission and the European Parliament will take action to enact a complete ban on cosmetic animal experimentation.
Animal testing
Ralph, an animated mockumentary about a lab bunny, supported efforts for an international ban last year.
The Humane Society of the United States produced the Save Ralph film, which also starred Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron, and Taika Waititi. The movie, which received more than 280,000 views on YouTube, provided a distinctive glimpse at the treatments and suffering that lab animals go through.
The Grand Prix for Good prize was given to Save Ralph in June at the Cannes Lions film festival.
“This prestigious recognition by the Cannes Lions jury is an honor. [It’s] a testament to Ralph’s powerful message that testing cosmetics on animals is cruel and needs to stop,” Donna Gadomski, the film’s executive producer stated.
Source: “1.4 Million Europeans Call For An End To Cosmetic Animal Testing” by Plant Based News
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