Trevor
MALLARD

Animal Welfare Spokesperson
16 July 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT
No cosmetics tested on animals under Labour

A Labour Government will help protect animals from harm by prohibiting the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals.

Labour’s Animal Welfare spokesperson Trevor Mallard today launched the initiative at an event organised by Labour’s Ōhariu candidate Ginny Andersen at the Wadestown Veterinary Clinic, which after boundary changes is now in the electorate.

Trevor Mallard says most New Zealanders find the testing of cosmetics on defenceless animals abhorrent.

“No animal testing of cosmetics is carried out in New Zealand because it is barred under the Animal Welfare Act. However, there is no restriction on animal-tested beauty products being imported and sold here.

“Labour will ensure that no make-up sold in this country has been tested on animals by formally prohibiting it in New Zealand. We will also prohibit the sale of imported cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Legislation enacting Labour’s policy will be restricted to cosmetics, toiletries and fragrance. It will not affect medicines.

“The European Union last year prohibited the sale and importation of animal-tested products. As in the EU, Labour’s policy will apply both to finished products and ingredients, or combinations of ingredients.

“The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association states most cosmetics sold here are made in the EU. So Labour’s policy will not affect most of the big cosmetic brands Kiwis use,” Trevor Mallard says.

Ginny Andersen says Labour has a strong record on animal welfare.

“Earlier this year, Labour forced the Government to back down on plans to allow testing of psychoactive products on animals despite the repeated efforts of Associate Health Minister and Ōhariu MP Peter Dunne.

“Peter Dunne’s stance is unacceptable to most of his constituents. He has ignored the wishes of Kiwis who don't want animal testing. Labour has heard them loud and clear,” Ginny Andersen says.

Attached: Animal testing factsheet

Cosmetic_Testing_Factsheet.pdf

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