Keep 2013 EU animal testing ban in place

I join the vast majority of Europeans who strongly oppose animal testing. That’s why I was thrilled when the EU passed the 7th amendment to the Cosmetics Directive in 2003 to ban animal testing for cosmetics and to ban the marketing of any cosmetics product tested on animals. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the 2013 final deadline for removing any cosmetics tested on animals from store shelves in Europe. And I’m writing to let you know that I fully support the 2013 deadline.The approaching EU ban has motivated companies worldwide to make significant progress in developing new nonanimal test methods. These new humane, effective methods can also be used for testing drugs and other chemicals, which would end even more animal tests. Nonanimal test methods are often cheaper, faster, and more effective than animal tests. In addition, these methods save the lives of tens of thousands of animals.It’s crucial that the deadline stay in place to continue driving innovation and progress in alternatives development.