Media release

01 April 2015

RNZSPCA supports cosmetics animal testing ban

The Royal New Zealand SPCA is delighted by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy’s announcement that the Government will amend the Animal Welfare Act to ban the use of animals for testing cosmetics .

“We’re very happy that the Government has listened to lobbying from the Green Party, the RNZSPCA, and other organisations to prevent the use of animals for cosmetic testing in New Zealand,” says Ric Odom, CEO of the RNZSPCA.

“Although we recognise that animal testing for cosmetics in New Zealand does not currently occur, we believe the amendment sends a clear message that animal testing for non-medical uses is unacceptable. Having said that, our position remains one of steadfast opposition to animal testing in any form unless it is for essential medical research and there is no alternative.

“However, we acknowledge that the total phasing out of animal testing will take time so in the meantime we continue to call for more rigorous justifications for the use of animal testing, the promotion of non-animal models by the Animal Ethics Committees, better reporting of animal deaths, and more humane treatment of animals involved in testing.

“The bottom line is that we strongly oppose any practice that causes animals unnecessary pain and suffering, including animal testing.”

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