RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Cigarette maker Lorillard Inc. has banned animal testing following discussions with an animal rights group that has raised concerns over industry studies in which animals were forced to inhale cigarette smoke, eat tobacco and have cigarette tar painted on their skin.

The nation’s third-biggest tobacco company and maker of Newport-brand cigarettes confirmed the new policy to The Associated Press on Monday, which says it will no longer conduct or commission animal research unless it’s necessary to meet regulatory requirements. The Greensboro, N.C.,-based company said it hasn’t done any animal testing in about three years.