LUSH Cosmetics, The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International have partnered to launch a global campaign to end cosmetics testing on animals. The campaign rolls out simultaneously in 48 countries and more than 700 LUSH stores in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia. The HSUS and HSI offices in Canada, Australia, Europe and India are joining with LUSH to end animal testing for cosmetics with nationwide consumer campaigns in each region. The HSUS and HSI will also work with legislators, regulators and scientists to press for change. Such testing is already banned in Europe and a further ban on the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals in other parts of the world is expected to come into effect in March 2013.

“The beauty industry continues needless animal testing and it’s time for it to stop,” said Kate Willett, director of regulatory toxicology, risk assessment and alternatives for The HSUS in a statement to the press. “Consumers are largely unaware that some shampoos and lipsticks still involve chemical poisoning of animals such as rabbits and mice. Science has moved us beyond this and there is no place for cosmetic testing on animals in modern society.”

U.S. law requires companies to assure that their products are safe, but does not require animal testing, since safety can be assured by using established, safe ingredients and available non-animal test methods, says the group. However, some companies continue to produce new cosmetic ingredients and test them on animals. LUSH, The HSUS and HSI believe that testing on animals to produce new cosmetic products or ingredients is unjustified. “Animals should not have to rely on voluntary codes of conduct but should be protected by robust laws that force all companies to adopt humane methods to bring their products to market,” said Brandi Halls, North American campaign manager for LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

Consumers are being urged to sign national petitions in LUSH stores beginning this week, and online at humanesociety.org/becrueltyfree, or www.fightinganimaltesting.com/na.