In a remarkable stride toward animal welfare, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed two significant bills into law that send a strong message against cruelty towards animals.

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, these new laws not only protect puppies, kittens, and cosmetics-testing animals but also set an inspiring example for other states to follow.

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Cosmetics testing on animals is banned in many countries.

An End to the Sale of Puppy Mill Pets

HB 2915: This legislation in Oregon brings an end to the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores across the state. Governor Kotek’s signature on HB 2915 makes Oregon the seventh state in the nation to stand up against the inhumane practices of puppy mills, joining the ranks of Washington, California, Illinois, New York, Maryland, and Maine.

Phasing Out Existing Sales

This bill not only prohibits additional pet stores in Oregon from selling puppies and kittens but also phases out existing sales. By doing so, it encourages a shift in the local pet market towards more humane sources such as animal shelters, rescues, and responsible breeders, the Humane Society of the United States reports.

"With this bill, the entire West Coast is now closed off to pet stores that view puppies as mere products, bringing us closer to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell," said Kelly Peterson, Oregon state director for the Humane Society of the United States.

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Animals subjected to testing experience fear, pain, and distress.

Putting an End to Cosmetic Animal Testing

HB 3213: This legislation bans the sale of cosmetics that have been subjected to new animal testing in the state of Oregon. By signing this bill into law, Governor Kotek aligns Oregon with more, than 30 countries and 10 other states that have already prohibited the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals, the Humane Society reports, including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.

Embracing Ethical Alternatives

The ban on cosmetic animal testing recognizes the abundance of existing ingredients with a proven history of safe use and the growing number of non-animal testing methods available. This marks a significant step towards promoting ethical and cruelty-free practices within the cosmetics industry.

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Alternatives like in vitro testing provide more accurate results without animal suffering.

Supporting Families and Their Pets

In addition to these landmark bills, the Oregon Legislature has approved $1 million in funding through the Emergency Housing Account Fund.
According to the Tillamook Headlight Herald, House Bill 5019 allocates $26.1 million to provide shelter and support for individuals facing homelessness in 26 rural counties, collectively referred to as the Balance of State Continuum of Care. This funding will be directed towards homeless and domestic violence shelters, aiming to create accommodations that cater to both individuals and their pets.

“Inclusion of pets in these bills honors the bond we all share with our pets and ensures that families and individuals experiencing homelessness or intimate partner violence can shelter safely with their companion animal,” Peterson said. “Because the truth is that for many, the path to safe shelter starts with their pets.”

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Puppy mill dogs can suffer from malnutrition and dental problems.

A Beacon of Hope for Animal Welfare

Oregon's commitment to these crucial animal protection measures signifies a brighter future for countless animals, both within the state and as an inspiration for the nation. These laws not only mitigate suffering in puppy mills and animal testing laboratories but also demonstrate a profound dedication to creating a more compassionate world for all creatures.

As the state of Oregon leads by example, it is a reminder to all of us that collective efforts can bring about positive change in the world of animal welfare. So, while we celebrate this monumental achievement in Oregon, let us also hope that more states will soon join the cause, echoing the sentiment that there is no justification for animal cruelty, be it in the form of puppy mills or cosmetic testing.

Add your voice to this movement, express your gratitude to Oregon, and call upon other states to take similar action against cosmetics tested on animals. Let’s ensure that these heartwarming steps taken in Oregon pave the way for a brighter future for all animals, great and small.