We, the undersigned, request that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts enact legislation to ban the testing of cosmetics and household products on animals whenever alternative methods are available.

California (S.1834.9) and New Jersey (C. 210 [A. 909]) already have such animal testing bans in place. They look to the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) to deem toxicology tests that do not involve animals safe and appropriate. New York is currently considering similar legislation (S. 4780), and we believe that Massachusetts should follow suit.

According to the National Anti-Vivisection Society (2009), [H]undreds of companies have adopted cruelty free alternatives to traditional animal testing methods. Alternatives to these tests have been available for many years, so this provision could take effect without awaiting validation of new alternative tests. By using only ingredients already determined to be safe and incorporating existing alternative methods to test for irritancy, we can stop perpetuating cruelty to animals and promote fair, socially responsible industry practices.