Words by Tess Becker
Supporting our furry friends is key to creating a more ethical world. One avenue that’s possible is through alternatives to testing on animals.
Now, Canada is putting a full ban on testing cosmetics on animals - a victory for animal rights advocates and eco-conscious consumers.
The decision is part of the Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-47). It not only prohibits animal testing but also ends the sale of cosmetics that use new animal testing data for safety substantiation. It also aims to shut down misinformation regarding animal testing.
“Testing cosmetics on animals is both cruel and unnecessary,” Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, Government of Canada, said. “That is why we are proud to move forward on our promise to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade. Protecting animals now and in the future is something many Canadians have been advocating for and now, we can all be assured that cosmetics in Canada are cruelty-free, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to improve animal welfare.”
The Humane Society, which played a large part in getting the ban passed is excited about what it means in the future.
“With the passage of these historic measures to ban cosmetics animal testing and trade, Canada is getting a cruelty-free makeover,” Michael Bernard, deputy director, Humane Society International/Canada, said. “We are so thrilled that our government has listened to the millions of Canadians who want the products they buy to be cruelty-free. This legislation truly shows the great things that can happen when government, industry, the non-profit sector and the public work together to create a better future.”
Canada joins over 40 jurisdictions that already have laws to curb or outrightly ban cosmetics animal testing and/or sales.
According to the Humane Society, 115 million animals are used in laboratory testing each year, and while many of those tests are essential for medical advancements and the like what’s not essential is cosmetics testing.
Over 500,000 animals each year die due to cosmetic testing, like perfumes, makeup, and other chemicals. These animals are used to test the safety of the chemicals but in the process have chemicals forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes, or smeared onto their skin.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
