A bill that just passed the state Senate would expand New York’s crackdown on cosmetic testing on animals.

The Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act would expand New York’s existing ban on animal testing for cosmetics by prohibiting the manufacture or sale of cosmetics tested on animals in other states.

"I think it’s absolutely wonderful. It's a step in the right direction,” said Todd Friedman, founder of Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary in Parksville. “Any step that ends animal exploitation animal cruelty and animal abuse is a win for us.”

Friedman takes in animals, mostly pigs, that were abused, neglected and used for medical testing.

Six of the 37 rescued pigs at the Sullivan County farm endured medical testing that Friedman calls torture.

"It's sad. They are here with us, not for us,” he said. "They were burn tested, they had 18 stem steel rods burned to their backs."

The new bill is sponsored by state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, who said in a release that “animal testing raises serious concerns by subjecting animals to unnecessary pain and suffering.”

“No animal should ever face abuse or unsafe conditions and this legislation makes it clear that New Yorkers will not tolerate their mistreatment,” Biaggi said.

The bill passed in the state Senate on May 10, but its companion bill in the Assembly has yet to be taken up for a vote.

Friedman condemns all forms of animal testing and hopes the state will one day ban medical testing on animals.

He encourages everyone to buy cruelty-free products.

"Every kind of sunscreen, mascara, lipstick, anything. Creams all have a testing-free option, a vegan cruelty-free option,” Friedman said.

Arthur’s Acres is a nonprofit that depends on donations to support the animals.

They also offer public tours that will begin Memorial Day weekend.

See more from Nadia's visit to the sanctuary HERE.