World Day For Laboratory Animals

Supriya Jain
Dec 22, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Feb 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Gowri Rao
World Day For Laboratory Animals includes demonstrations to prevent experiments on animal species.

Where is World Day for Laboratory Animals observed?

The World Day for Laboratory Animals is celebrated throughout the world. It was started in London, UK by the National Anti-vivisection Society (NAVS) and is also known as the International Day for the Commemoration of Animals in Laboratories.

Additionally, the World Week for Laboratory Animals, also known as the Lab Animals Week is celebrated every year between April 20 and April 26.

Who is World Day for Laboratory Animals observed by?

The World Lab Animal Day was started by the NAV in London and is observed by all those across the globe who believe in research methods that are free of animal cruelty and animal experiments, and are absolutely against animal suffering for the benefit of humans or under the cloak of advancing science. 

All those observing this day are known as Anti-vivisectionists. PETA organized the first protest for the World Lab Animal Day in the US in 1980. 

In 2009 UCLA Pro-Test scientists organized a contrary protest, holding demonstrations against Anti-Vivisection activists for two purposes: one was to support the use of Lab animals for biomedical research; the second was to condemn the harassment by animal activists and anti-vivisectionists of fellow scientist and professor David Jentsch.

When did World Day for Laboratory Animals start?

The first celebration was held in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society. The event is recognized by the United Nations, however, it is not included in the UNs list of official international events. 

Who started World Day for Laboratory Animals?

The National Anti-Vivisection Society was founded by Hugh Dowding and his wife Baroness Dowding. In 1979, the Society started this day in honor of Hugh Dowding who was an animal activist too. The organization even started a Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research in 1973. 

History And Timeline

The celebration of a day commemorating laboratory animals and fighting for their survival and respectful treatment was a long time in the making.  

Establishment of NAVS

The NAVS aimed at reducing and gradually eradicating animal testing by using the advanced methodology of research that would not require any testing on animals. The primary concern is that millions of animals and species are suffering in artificially created laboratories for the advancement of science.

1875

World Day For Laboratory Animals Established

To commemorate Laboratory animals who were suffering in laboratories across the globe for the betterment of human life.

1970

Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research Established

The advancement of science and research, was the leading cause of more and more laboratory animals being used for experimenting, for the ultimate goal of a better life for humans and better products for humans.

1974

Ban on Household Product Testing On Animals in the UK.

With effect from October 2015, The UK issued a ban on animal testing for household products.

2015

Innovative 3D Drug Testing

Paolo Cesare developed an innovative 3D system for testing drugs that didn't require testing on animals.

2015

Traditions And Customs

Some of the most popular traditions and customs around World Day for Laboratory Animals focus on protests, rallies, demonstrations, media events, and conferences against the use of animals in research.

Ways To Observe World Day For Laboratory Animals

World Lab Animal Day can be observed in many ways. Traditionally it is observed by carrying out demonstrations in protest of animals being used for tests in the laboratories.

However, in the social and digital age, other means of raising awareness and gathering people together in attempts to discourage the government from funding laboratories that conduct these tests and forcing scientists to find more advanced methods of conducting research. 

When was the World Day for Laboratory Animals observed annually?

The World Day for Laboratory Animals is observed on April 24, every year since 1979.

What are laboratory animals called?

Laboratory animals are also known as Vertebrate animals or experimental animals or testing animals. Rats and mice are the most tested animal species in scientific research.

What are the uses of the laboratory animal?

Laboratory animals are used for scientific research, cosmetic testing, and lab experimentation of new substances.

What are laboratory animal workers?

Workers who are assigned the task of taking care of animals that are used for science and laboratory experiments are called laboratory animal workers. 

What is World Day for Laboratory Animals protest in the US?

The World Day for Laboratory Animals protest was started by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk in 1980. 

How did World Day for Laboratory Animals get funded?

The Animal Defenders International, Lord Dowding Fund as well as the National Anti-vivisection Society together with the government of the UK started the funding of the World Day for Laboratory Animals. 

What is commemoration?

A commemoration is an event when those who have died are remembered or celebrated, in this case, it is for the lab animals who underwent suffering and death due to scientific research. 

How World Day for Laboratory Animals can benefit dogs?

For certain biomedical research purposes, test results from rodents are an unreliable way to determine the outcome of the experiment. When this happens or when scientists predict effects that rodents don’t show, dogs are used to conduct the same tests.

Dogs have been chosen as they possess certain characteristics which are closely related to that of humans.

For example, in certain drug and toxicity tests, dogs are noted for giving more accurate test results. The UK government as well as the US government have very strict regulations about the treatment of all animals used for lab testing.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 23, 2020
  • Friday, April 23, 2021
  • Saturday, April 23, 2022
  • Sunday, April 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

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Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Gowri Rao

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

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Gowri RaoBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Krea University, Gowri is a highly skilled data analyst and an expert in regression and causation modeling. Her interests in economic trends, finance, and investment research complement her professional expertise. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gowri enjoys swimming, running, and playing the drums, and she is also a talented tutor.

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