After an incident in 1933 involving the blindness of seventeen women from a mascara product, the United States Congress passed the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, which stipulated that the products should be considered safe. for human use before being sold. This was the beginning of animal testing (Cruelty-Free Labeling). Most companies use animal testing, which ensures that their products are safe for consumers. Animal testing is a very controversial topic due to the enormous amount of knowledge and research gained from these tests. On the other hand, millions of animals are forced to undergo these painful experiences. Proponents of the tests, because of their reliability, argue that they benefit the health of society and that any animal experimentation allows scientists to conduct new research and provide information for the benefit of humanity. All those who oppose animal testing argue that it is cruel to inflict pain on a living being when alternative methods are available. Ending all forms of animal testing is virtually impossible. If animal testing began as a way to protect living creatures from harm, then how is the solution part of this problem? Humans have laws to protect them from mascara blindness, but don't animals deserve the right to live a life free of abuse and pain? Giving animals basic rights is by far the best solution. Animals deserve basic rights because pain is a punishment for all living things, animals are beneficial to society, and finally, animals have mental capabilities equal to humans in some respects. If humans have the right to be protected from pain, then every living being deserves this protection. Inflicting pain on another living creature is e...... middle of paper ......Works CitedClemmitt, Marcia. “Animal intelligence”. CQ Researcher October 22, 2010: 869-92. Internet. October 24, 2013. “Laboratory Animal Welfare.” » Cruelty-free labeling. Internet. October 24, 2013. Singer, Peter. For the defense of animals: the second wave. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2006. Print. Rollin, Bernard E. Animal rights and human morality. Amherst, NY: Prometheus, 2006. Print. Cooper, Jilly. Animals at war. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot, 2002. Print. Committee on Recognition and Relief of Pain in Laboratory Animals, National Research Council. Recognition and relief of pain in laboratory animals. Washington, DC: National Academies, 2009. Print. Nijhuis, Michelle. "Friend or foe? Crows never forget a face, it seems." New York Times. Np, August 25, 2008. Web. December 1, 2013.Warren, Cat. What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonders of Working Dogs. Np: Touchstone, 2013. Print.