World Day for Laboratory Animals

World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL; also known as World Lab Animal Day)[1] is observed every year on 24 April. The surrounding week has come to be known as "World Week for Animals In Laboratories".[2] The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) describes the day as an "international day of commemoration"[1] for animals in laboratories.

World Day For Animals In Laboratories
Laboratory rat
StatusActive
GenreAnimal rights
Date(s)April 24
BeginsApril 18
EndsApril 24
FrequencyAnnual
VenueVarious locations worldwide
CountryGlobal
Years activeSince 1979
InauguratedApril 24, 1979
ActivityDemonstrations and protests against animal research
LeaderNational Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS)
World Day For Animals In Laboratories is recognized by animal rights groups and some United Nations affiliates, but it is not an official United Nations observance.

History

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In 1979, NAVS established World Day for Laboratory Animals (also referred to as Lab Animal Day) on April 24 – Lord Hugh Dowding's birthday. This international day of commemoration is recognised by the United Nations, and is now marked annually by anti-vivisectionists on every continent. In 1980, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), led by PETA Founder, Ingrid Newkirk, organized the first World Day for Laboratory Animals protest in the U.S.[3]

Today the event is marked by demonstrations and protests by groups opposed to the use of animals in research.[4] In April 2010 protesters marched through central London calling for an end to the use of animals in research,.[5][6][7] A similar march took place in Birmingham in 2012.[8] and Nottingham in 2014.[9]

World Day and World Week For Animals In Laboratories have also attracted attention from scientific groups defending the use of animals in research. On 22 April 2009 members of UCLA Pro-Test held a rally in support of biomedical research on animals,[10] and to condemn the violence and harassment directed at faculty member Prof. David Jentsch by animal activists.[11][12]

NAVS and other groups opposed to animal research have claimed that World Day For Animals In Laboratories is recognised by the United Nations.[1][13][14] However, the day is not included on the official list of United Nations observances.[15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "The history of the NAVS". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  2. ^ "World Week for Animals in Laboratories". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  3. ^ "PETA's Milestones | PETA". PETA. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
  4. ^ "World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  5. ^ "World Day For Animals In Laboratories". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Animal Life". Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  7. ^ "knine culture".
  8. ^ "World Day for Animals in Laboratories rally, Birmingham". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  9. ^ "2014 Nottingham Rally Report".
  10. ^ "Stand up for Research at UCLA – April 22nd !!". 30 March 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
  11. ^ "West Side Story: Scientists vs. Activists". 22 April 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  12. ^ "Scientists, supporters rally at UCLA for animal research". Los Angeles Times. 23 April 2009. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  13. ^ "Animal Aid: World Day For Animals In Laboratories". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  14. ^ Peter G., Tatchell (23 April 2012). "Medical Charities Are Funding Animal Experiments But They Don't Want You to Know". Huffington Post. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  15. ^ "United Nations Observances: International Days". Retrieved 11 April 2013.
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