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  4. Coalition’s Cosmetic Testing Policy…

RSPCA Australia has congratulated the Coalition for listening to Australians’ concerns about the use of live animals in cosmetics testing, with its announcement today that it will introduce legislation to ban the practice, as well as the sale of cosmetics tested on animals.

RSPCA Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones, said the Coalition’s decision recognised consumer distress in Australia and around the world about the cruel and unnecessary practices in the cosmetics sector.

“It’s estimated that around 27,000 animals are still being used for cosmetic testing every year”, Dr Jones said.

“We look forward to examining the detail of the Coalition’s proposed legislation, and its proposed timetable for implementation”.

“RSPCA Australia has been consulting with all political parties on this issue for several years, and we have overwhelming support from Australians”.

“In February this year, we urged all parties to support the Ethical Cosmetics Bill 2016, introduced by the Australian Labor Party. This Bill mirrored the stringent regulation in the EU, which also prohibits the sale of cosmetics which have been tested on animals”.

“The Australian Greens’ policy also calls for an end to the importation, sale or marketing of animal-tested cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients”.

“We trust that this bipartisan support will mean a swift passage of enabling legislation through the next Parliament”.

“During the RSPCA’s global Makeover the World campaign in 2014, over 418,000 emails were sent by consumers to major cosmetic companies demanding an end to animal testing”.

“Feedback from that campaign convinced us Australians are shocked at the thought animal testing on cosmetics is still carried out. They want to be confident their cosmetics are produced humanely”, Dr Jones said.

The RSPCA is Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of Australia’s most trusted charities. The RSPCA works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.

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