The World Day for Laboratory Animals (WDLA), also known as the World Day for Animals in Laboratories (WDAIL) or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually on April 24 worldwide to raise global awareness about the ethical and scientific concerns associated with the use of animals in laboratory testing and research.
- The day highlights the suffering of millions of animals subjected to experiments for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and medical research.
Lab Animal Week:
The week surrounding WDLA is marked as Lab Animal Week (or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week), featuring protests, educational campaigns, and policy dialogues to accelerate the shift toward cruelty-free science.
- 2025 Lab Animal Week is being observed from April 20-26, 2025.
Background:
i.The United Kingdom (UK)-based National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) established WDLA in 1979 to promote compassion and push for policy reforms.
ii.The date 24th April marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hugh Dowding, a former British Air Chief Marshal and NAVS President, who campaigned against animal testing.
iii.In 1980, the United States of America (USA)-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), led by founder Ingrid Newkirk, organized the first WDLA protest in the USA.
Animal Testing Statistics:
i.Over 100 million animals, including mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, and monkeys, are used annually in labs worldwide.
ii.Common procedures involve toxicity testing, drug trials, and surgical experiments, often causing severe pain, distress, or death.
Modern Alternatives to Animal Testing:
i.In-vitro methods: Human cell-based tests reduce species-specific inaccuracies.
ii.Artificial Intelligence (AI): Predicts chemical toxicity using databases.
iii.Microdosing: Tests drug safety in humans with minimal doses.
Note:Countries like Norway, India, and the European Union (EU) have banned cosmetic testing on animals.
Animal Welfare and Rights in India:
i.India’s first national law for animal welfare, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960, establishes regulations for animal experimentation.
ii.In 2013, the Indian government took a significant step by prohibiting the use of live animals in medical education.
Note: In March 2025, John Abraham, an Indian Actor and animal rights advocate, was appointed as the first Honorary Director of PETA India during its 25th anniversary celebration.
About People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India:
Director – Poorva Joshipura
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded – 2000
