WORLD DAY FOR LAB ANIMALS established on April 24h and recognized by the United Nations is designed to assure that laboratory animals are treated with compassion and respect. Animals are in the playlist and in the studio with John on Crosscurrents, Monday April 24 at 8:00 AM. Listen live at www.KRNN.org, 102.7fm, or 103.1fm.
In 1979, the NAVS established World Day for Laboratory Animals (also referred to as Lab Animal Day) on April 24th – Lord 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. The World Day for Animals in Laboratories was established in 1979 by the British National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) as a way to draw attention to the suffering of animals used in scientific research and testing. It was first observed on April 24th, 1979, to mark the birthday of William Shakespeare, who famously wrote, “I will not be a butcher of animals.” Since then, the World Day for Animals in Laboratories has grown to become a global event, with animal welfare organizations, activists, and individuals from all over the world coming together to raise awareness of the issue and advocate for change. The day is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of animal testing, to recognize the importance of treating animals used in research and testing with compassion, and to promote alternative methods that do not harm or kill animals. It also serves as a reminder of our moral and ethical obligations towards animals, and the need for greater protections for their welfare.
Over the years, the World Day for Animals in Laboratories has played a significant role in raising awareness of the issue and encouraging public dialogue about animal testing. It has also led to important changes in legislation and policy, helping to ensure that animals used in research and testing are treated humanely and with respect. The use of animals in research and testing is a controversial topic. While many believe that it is necessary to advance scientific progress, others argue that it is unethical and inhumane. Regardless of which side you stand on, the fact remains that millions of animals are used for these purposes every year. World Day for Animals in Laboratories aims to raise awareness of this issue and spark a conversation about the welfare of these animals. It also serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to ensure that animals used in research and testing are treated humanely.
Animal testing has been a part of scientific research for centuries. However, it is not without consequences. The use of animals in research and testing can have a significant impact on their physical and emotional well-being. Animals may experience pain, suffering, and distress during experiments, and may even lose their lives. Furthermore, many argue that animal testing may not be an accurate reflection of how a drug or product will affect humans. In some cases, animals may react differently to substances than humans, leading to inaccurate results.
World Day for Animals in Laboratories is a time to reflect on the impact of animal testing. And to take action to make a difference. By educating ourselves and others, supporting alternative methods, advocating for change, and donating to animal welfare organizations. We can help ensure that animals used in research and testing treated with compassion and respect. Let’s use this day as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of animals around the world.
The setback of the 1986 Act led to a major rethink at the NAVS and a drive to become a stronger voice for animals. It was also time to take vivisectionists on head-on, on the issue of the use of animals in medical research. A revitalised NAVS, with new Director Jan Creamer would in the coming years pull together many of the Society’s historic strengths: producing detailed scientific reports highlighting the futility of vivisection; lobbying in Parliament; organising the biggest rallies against vivisection the world has ever seen; developing the Lord Dowding Fund and even adding two new bodies to the group – the Animal Defenders and Animal+World Show; putting NAVS Field Officers undercover inside the animal laboratories.
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