Animals, such as mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs among many more are commonly used in cosmetic testing for as long as cosmetic testing started. Animals are often exposed to irritant products that are rubbed on their skins, instilled in their eyes or introduced into their bodies.The availability of more advanced alternative methods for cosmetic testing challenged the long standing status quo of animal use in laboratories.
New Zealand Prime Minister Nathan Guy welcomed the proposed ban.
“The Government has decided to introduce an alternative
to the original SOP introduced by Green MP Mojo Mathers
because of concerns the wording may have been too broad.
This could lead to unintended consequences such as banning
testing on ingredients in medicines that New Zealanders
depend on.
“I want to thank Mojo Mathers for her work on
this issue. Although the Government has introduced slightly
alternative wording, this amendment still captures the
principle of her SOP.
“It’s important to note we
already have a strong framework for any animal testing done
in New Zealand. Any testing for products like medicines has
to be approved by an independent ethics committee and has to
show the benefits will outweigh any harm caused.”
-Nathan Guy, NZ Prime Minister
Phasing out animal testing for cosmetics still has a long way to go. Nevertheless, New Zealand's strong opposition to this creates a remarkable positive standards that would hopefully influence the rest of the world.
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