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World Day For Animals In Laboratories (also known as World Lab Animal Day ) is observed every year on 24 April. The surrounding week has come to be known as "World Week for Animals In Laboratories". The purpose of the day is to commemorate the animals used in laboratory research.

History
World Day For Animals In Laboratories was established in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS). The date 24 April was chosen as it marked the birthday of former NAVS president Hugh Dowding, 1st Baron Dowding.

Today the event is marked globally by demonstrations and protests by animal rights and anti-vivisection groups. In April 2010 protesters marched through central London calling for an end to animal research, and a similar march took place in Birmingham in 2012.

World Day For Animals In Laboratories has also attracted attention from scientific groups defending the use of animals in research. In April 2009 members of UCLA Pro-Test held a rally in support of biomedical research on animals, and to condemn the violence and harassment of faculty member Prof. David Jentsch.

The NAVS and other animal rights organisations frequently claim that World Day For Animals In Laboratories is recognised by the United Nations. However, the day is not included on the official list of United Nations observances.