World Day for Laboratory Animals observed on April 24

Exam-focused facts from the 27 April 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

World Day for Laboratory Animals, also known as World Day for Animals in Laboratories or World Lab Animal Day, is observed annually on April 24.
The day was established in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) based in the United Kingdom.
The date April 24 was chosen to mark the birthday of Hugh Dowding, a British Air Chief Marshal and anti-vivisectionist who served as president of NAVS.
The observance focuses on raising awareness about cruel animal tests and promoting advanced non-animal alternatives.
The week surrounding the day is referred to as World Week for Animals in Laboratories, Lab Animal Week, or World Laboratory Animal Liberation Week.