Today’s passing of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill is a win for animals around the world says Green Party MP Mojo Mathers who led the charge in Parliament to stop the testing of cosmetics on animals.

The bill now has an amendment making it illegal for manufacturers to test cosmetic ingredients or finished cosmetics products on animals which was introduced after Ms Mathers tabled a similar amendment.

“I look forward to the day when no animal anywhere in the world is subject to chemicals dripped into their eyes for the sake of a new cosmetic,” Green Party animal welfare spokesperson Mojo Mathers said today.

“Animal testing of cosmetics is both cruel and unnecessary.

“New Zealand is now the first country in Australasia to ban this practice.

“New Zealand’s announcement of the ban has resulted in renewed efforts to get these cruel tests banned in other countries including Taiwan and China.

““New Zealanders want to see a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetic products, that’s why so many members of the public got in behind the Green Party on this issue

“There are modern, smart alternatives to using animal testing, and we need to embrace these rather than carrying on unnecessary and cruel experiments which lead to animals suffering,” Ms Mathers said.

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