2020 has been a year for change and as the end of the year is approaching, it’s time to talk about animal cruelty. The fight to end animal cruelty and animal testing has been happening for around 60 years. However, not much of a difference has been made. Animal testing has been normalized since the ancient Greeks were performing scientific experiments on animals. Eventually in 1966, the United States passed the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA only protects dogs, cats, monkeys, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits or any other related warm-blooded animals, excluding birds, rats, mice and farm animals. So, even though there is an act in place to protect animal welfare, it only protects a select group of animals. Additionally, this act only protects the conditions in which animals are being kept when tested, not the actual tests themselves. So, yes, basically the AWA doesn’t do anything which makes sense because the last amendment made to the AWA was in 1985. As a society, we have come so far since 1985 and legal action needs to represent that.
Let’s get something straight: animal testing is not necessary.
The United States has developed technology and other methods that makes animal testing obsolete. Then why do companies continue to do it? As with many things, the answer lies with money. The United States remains a fiscally-minded country, with wealthy businesses and corporations continuing to take the cheaper, unethical route despite the public becoming more aware and defiant of these practices. As of 2020, this includes L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Clorox, Johnson & Johnson, Clinique, Maybelline, Mary Kay, NARS and Victoria’s Secret. These are just a small portion of the many companies that still test on animals.
Obviously, so many people buy products from these companies, some who might even be anti-animal cruelty, but just didn’t know. Ignorance can no longer be an excuse for supporting companies that still utilize animal testing. If legal action is not going to be taken, the only other way to eliminate animal cruelty is to stop buying products from companies that test on animals. Then, they will have to change.
There are still plenty of companies that have eliminated animal testing from their industry and support PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Here are some companies to turn to when transitioning away from animal-tested brands:
That is just a short list of the many, many brands that have shifted to cruelty-free products and some that even advocate for animal welfare. As you can see, there are some pretty big names on that list too, so there is no reason why anyone should be using animal-tested products. It is not too big of an inconvenience to change where you buy luxury products to save the lives and welfare of animals.
The United States has moved beyond the need for animal testing (if there ever was one in the first place), so major brands should no longer be testing on animals. This change can only happen if people are actively aware of the products they are buying and if it is a brand that continues to test on animals. Ignorance and inconvenience can no longer be an excuse for animal cruelty and suffering. Wide-spread legal action needs to take place and we, as a society, must advocate for those who don’t have a voice. Everyone can support this process by just taking the small step of not buying animal-tested products. So, next time you go to buy your usual products, take a second to consider whether or not it’s really worth it.
Go here for more information on how to get involved with supporting animal welfare.