India's Historic Ban; Says No to Cosmetics Testing on Animals


India's Historic Ban; Says No to Cosmetics Testing on Animals

Bangalore: India has taken a ‘much-awaited’ decision to ban cruel animal testing methods for cosmetic products, thus making animal welfare groups ecstatic. The Bureau of Indian Standards recently approved the removal of any mention of animal tests from the country's cosmetics standard, reported Vijay Singh for TNN. The use of contemporary non-animal alternative tests has become compulsory, substituting the tests on animals.

The announcement of this milestone by the Drug Controller General of India, Dr GN Singh was welcomed by Animal welfare groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Humane Society International (HSI) and People for Animals (PFA).

Alokparna Sengupta, HSI India's Be Cruelty-Free campaign manager was quoted by TNN, saying, "This is a major victory for countless animals who will no longer be made to suffer, and it is a proud moment for India as it becomes the first country in South Asia to end cosmetics cruelty. We thank the thousands of Indian consumers, politicians and celebrities who helped to achieve this historic ban."

The animal rights campaign received support from top leaders and thanked Maneka Gandhi as well for her support. Congress President Sonia Gandhi had also urged the ministries of health and family welfare to consider PETA India's request for a ban on the testing of cosmetics through the National Advisory Council office. BJP senior leader, Lal Krishna Advani had also sought support for the same through his office.

Globally over 1,200 companies have banned all animal tests in support of effective, modern non-animal tests. However plenty companies still stick to tests on animals and this cruelty must be curbed and this ban marks the beginning of what may change for the better.

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