Government of Canada receives petition against animal-tested cosmetics

The Body Shop Canada and Cruelty Free International have submitted a petition to the Government of Canada to call for a ban of the production and sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the country.

Signed by 630,542 Canadians, the petition aims for Canada to join other countries that have banned animal testing, including Israel, India, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Serbia, Switzerland and the EU.

The Body Shop Canada general manager Toby Milton said: “We are very proud that our staff and customers have taken up this cause.

“We hope that the Canadian Parliament and the Government of Canada sees this as proof that the time to act is now.

“No animal should be harmed in the name of cosmetics. The practice is outdated, cruel and unnecessary.”

According to an estimation made by Cruelty Free International, more than 500,000 animals are used across the world for testing cosmetic products every year.

Cruelty Free International North America campaign manager Monica Engebretson said: “Cruelty Free International has been working with governments around the world to phase out animal testing for cosmetics.

“We know firsthand that industry, consumers and animals all benefit from an end to animal testing for cosmetics. The time is right for Canada to take this step.”

In 1989, The Body Shop became one of the first international beauty brands to protest against the use of animals for testing cosmetic products.