SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Senator John Kavanagh said his bill, which prohibited the sale of cosmetic products that had been tested on animals, died because there’s “no big money interest.”

Kavanagh said when the bill was given to the chair of the agricultural committee, he refused to hear it. He said the committee was overloaded with agricultural issues, and they worried the bill would interrupt their plans.

“They're usually dominated by agriculture and cattle interests who generally don't like humane bills,” Kavanagh said. “They fear it's a slippery slope that will eventually cause bills that really restrict their industries.”

Kavanagh’s bill, SB1005, passed the Senate and was transferred to the Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee in the Arizona House of Representatives. Kavanagh said that the chairman failed to put the bill on the agenda, which led to the bill dying.

The bill ensures that Arizona cannot sell cosmetic products if animal testing is involved at any stage. He said companies shouldn’t hurt animals for the public’s benefit.

“Cosmetic testing on animals is cruel,” Kavanagh said. “Why inflict pain on the animals when it’s not necessary?”

Instead, Kavanagh proposed that cosmetic companies find other ways of testing their products and pointed out that there are numerous ways to test cosmetic products that don’t involve animals.

“You can do computer testing,” Kavanagh said. “So there are a lot of other alternatives that no longer make it necessary.”

In response to his statement, Kavanagh said the committee chose to prioritize other agricultural bills. He felt that the legislature, in general, didn’t care much for humane bills. They were easily overshadowed by bills that would interest the agricultural community.

“If I would have to give it a grade in terms of how friendly the legislature is to animal legislation, I would say a C minus,” Kavanagh said. “It doesn’t resonate quite as well.”

While the committee wasn't on board with his bill, Kavanagh received support from many animal welfare groups, including the Arizona Humane Society.

Media Specialist Joe Casados said the Humane Society did sign off on the bill. While they are disappointed it didn’t pass, he said, they will be looking to see if it is reintroduced in the future.

The bill also received major support from the public. Many of whom believe animal testing is cruel.

Harper Scott is a recurring volunteer at the Humane Society. Since she works with animals, she said she has developed a deeper understanding of the animals.

Scott said she refuses to buy products that have been tested on animals. Even before shopping, she said she will do research on the brand to make sure they don’t test their products on animals.

“Animal testing, in general, is terrible,” she said. “I cannot consciously use products knowing that it’s been tested on animals.”

Even though the bill did not pass during the current legislative session, Kavanagh said he hoped to reintroduce the bill next year.