World Day for Laboratory Animals Date in the current year: April 24, 2024

The date April 24 was chosen because it marked the birthday of Hugh Dowding, British Air Chief Marshal who was an avid anti-vivisectionist. After the Second World War, he served as president of NAVS, and his wife Muriel was a NAVS Council member.

According to statistics provided by NAVS, every year approximately 100 million animals suffer and die in laboratories, although there are advanced alternatives that can replace tests on animals. World Lab Animal Day focuses on raising awareness about cruel animal tests and their advanced non-animal alternatives that are more effective and reliable and do not result in the death of living creatures.

World Day for Laboratory Animals is marked by protests, demonstrations, rallies, conferences, media events against the use of animals in research. The surrounding week is referred to as World Week for Animals in Laboratories, Lab Animal Week or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week.