Canada Senate Hashes Out Animal Testing Ban

Animal testing of cosmetics could soon be a bygone in Canada.

As of Dec. 10, Canada’s Senate had its second reading of Bill S-214 to move closer towards hashing out legislation that amends the country's Food and Drugs Act to prohibit cosmetic animal testing and the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured using cosmetic animal testing. The bill also provides that no evidence derived from animal testing may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic.

"I am so happy to see such an important bill so close to becoming legislation,” said Senator Stewart Olsen, who spearheaded the bill. “It's inspiring, in that there's nothing partisan about trying to prevent needless animal suffering in the name of beauty. It's my hope that the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act will transcend partisan politics and receive the support it deserves."

Troy Seidle, Humane Society International 's director of research and toxicology, said: "This is a landmark day for animals in Canada and for our global #BeCrueltyFree campaign thanks to Senator Stewart Olsen's leadership in championing this progressive legislation. We look forward to working with Senators and our newly elected Parliament to see Canada join other nations in taking a stand against cruel cosmetics by enacting the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act."

As of this report, Turkey is the most recent country to have joined the regions worldwide that have banned animal testing for cosmetics. Others include the EU, Norway, Israel, India, the state of São Paulo in Brazil and New Zealand. Other jurisdictions where lawmakers are considering bills to phase out animal testing include the U.S., Canada, Russia, South Korea and Taiwan. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises manufacturers to employ whatever testing is appropriate and effective.