The Government is proposing a law change that will ban testing for the cosmetics industry on animals.
Green MP Mojo Mathers celebrates the Government's announcement of a proposal to ban animal testing. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
It will add a change to the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, which is being debated in Parliament this evening.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said, to the best of the Government's knowledge, there had never been any animal testing for cosmetics in New Zealand.
But he said the amendment would send an important message that this kind of testing was unacceptable to New Zealanders.
"The Government has decided to introduce an alternative to the original [amendment] introduced by Green Party MP Mojo Mathers because of concerns the wording may have been too broad.
"This could lead to unintended consequences such as banning testing on ingredients in medicines that New Zealanders depend on."
The change bans animal testing for finished cosmetic products and ingredients, where those ingredients are being tested for the exclusive purpose of developing a cosmetic.
Mr Guy thanked Ms Mathers for her work on the issue.
Ms Mathers said it was fantastic that New Zealand would be able to say that it had banned a cruel and outdated practice.
"I'm over the moon that the Government has acknowledged my work on this issue by finally agreeing to ban cosmetics testing on animals."
Green MP Mojo Mathers (centre) with #BeCrueltyFree campaigners. Photo: RNZ / Demelza Leslie
