Nevada makes bold move to ban cosmetics animal testing

06-Jun-2019 - Last updated on 06-Jun-2019 at 18:02 GMT

Nevada has followed suit with it neighboring state of California, to become the second state in the US to ban the testing of cosmetics and personal care on animals.

The new law, referred to as the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (SB197) will prohibit the sale of any cosmetic or personal care products that has been tested on animals after January 1^st, 2020.

The legislation was introduced to the Nevada law makers by state Senator Melanie Schiebel back in February of this year, and has been supported by animal rights group Cruelty Free International.

Animal testing no longer necessary

Senator Schiebel was elected to the Nevada Legislature in the 2018 state senate elections as a Democratic Party member, pledging to invest in public schooling and healthcare.

“For more than 50 years animals have been used in painful tests for cosmetics. But science and public opinion have evolved and today it is no longer necessary or acceptable to harm animals for new cosmetics,” Schiebel said.

“The time has come to make cruel cosmetics a thing of the past and I am proud that Nevada is leading the way.”

Moving closer to national legislation

Nevada’s move to outlaw animal testing is in line with that recently enforced in California, where the same ban will also come into force on January 1^st of 2020.

“This is a significant step not just for Nevada but for the entire United States as history has shown that state activity leads to changes at the federal level,” Monica Engebretson, North American Campaign Manager of Cruelty Free International, said.

“This new law will help inform a way forward for federal legislation so that the US can join the over 30 countries that have already taken a stand against animal testing for cosmetics.”