February 27, 2007

WASHINGTON (February 27, 2007)—The New Jersey Assembly took a step towards more humane, more accurate and less expensive research methods with the passage of the "Alternatives to Animal Testing" bill by a unanimous vote.
Introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-15) and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-15), A. 909 has been endorsed by the Humane Society Legislative Fund, The Humane Society of the United States, Doris Day Animal League and The Procter & Gamble Company.

The bill would prohibit using traditional animal testing methods for product testing when federally recommended alternatives exist. This important animal protection bill could save millions of animal lives.

"This humane legislation has unanimously passed the state Assembly twice and I hope the Senate will act just as decisively," said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "Using non-animal testing methods when federal agencies have approved a safe and equally effective alternative is the humane alternative. Animals should not be exploited when alternatives are available."

The bill is now headed to the New Jersey Senate for consideration.

Media Contact: Lisa Gallo (202) 676-2346, lgallo@hslf.org

--30--

The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization incorporated under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and formed in 2004 as a separate lobbying affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. The HSLF works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. On the web at www.hslf.org.