Virginia bans animal testing
This week Virginia became the fourth state in the US to pass this sort of legislation; California, New York, and New Jersey already have similar laws in place.
What began as HB 1087, introduced by Jennifer B. Boysko, “requires a manufacturer or contract testing facility to use an alternative test method when available,” according to an online summary of the new legislation.
That summary goes on to explain that “an alternative test method is defined as one which (i) provides information of equivalent or better scientific quality and relevance than animal test methods, (ii) has been identified by a validation body and adopted by the relevant federal agency or program within an agency responsible for regulating the specific product or activity for which the test is being conducted, and (iii) does not use animals, or, when there is no test method available that does not use animals, uses the fewest animals possible and reduces the level of suffering or stress, to the greatest extent possible, of an animal used for testing.”
As is common with these sorts of regulations, the animal testing restriction does not apply to instances of medical research or drug makers.
Swift response
The Humane Society, an animal protection organization, was quick to celebrate the legislation, posting a statement on their site that same day. “By minimizing animal testing and instead focusing on the use of faster, cost effective and more reliable testing methods, Virginia companies can save lives, time and money,” Matthew Gray, Virginia state director for the Society, remarks. “We thank Delegate Boysko and Governor Northam for their leadership on this issue.”
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.
