MADISON– State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and Abby Wurzburger, a 14-year-old student from Wauwatosa, WI, held a press conference to introduce the Wisconsin Humane Cosmetics Act: a bill to ban cosmetic animal testing in Wisconsin. This bill is co-authored by Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), Representative Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) and Representative Angelito Tenorio (D-West Allis). This bill has been led and championed by Abby Wurzburger, who has been working with Representative Robyn Vining to research and draft the bill. You can read more about Abby’s work to advocate against animal cruelty in a CBS58 news feature here. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and Abby Wurzburger released the following statements:
“My name is Abby Wurzburger, and I am a 14-year-old from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. We are here today to discuss the Wisconsin Humane Cosmetics Act, a bill that would prohibit the use of animals in cosmetic tests.
“Many animals are being used in painful cosmetic experiments in Wisconsin, and this needs to be stopped. Although the total number of animals and testing facilities are not disclosed to the public, this doesn’t stop the fact that any amount of unnecessary animal testing is too much.
In fact, as of today, 12 states have already passed legislation to ban cosmetic animal testing, and we need Wisconsin to be the 13th. By passing this bill, it would ban the manufacture, import, and sale of cosmetics tested on animals in the state of Wisconsin.
“This is an issue that is very near and dear to my heart, as I have been an animal lover my whole life. I first contacted state representative Robyn Vining almost two years ago, and have worked with her since. She has been very helpful throughout this whole process. Thank you.
“Overall, this bill would prohibit the practice of cosmetic animal testing in Wisconsin. Animals don’t deserve this, and they are depending on us to be their voice. Just like the other 12 states that have banned cosmetic animal testing, Wisconsin needs to follow suit.” – Abby Wurzburger
“Abby has been the driving force behind this legislation. She deserves all the credit for this work, and I commend her tenacity and perseverance to get this done. Forward, together.” –Representative Robyn Vining
Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
