"Baywatch" bombshell Pamela Anderson bucketed the trend when she refused to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge currently sweeping the globe, part of a campaign to help fund research of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Citing the animal experimentation involved in ALS medical research, the 47-year-old vegetarian declined to take part. An outspoken member of PETA — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — Anderson has long called for an end to disease research involving lab animals.

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On her Facebook page, Anderson addressed the issue, writing: "Sorry - I can't bring myself to do your Ice bucket challenge. I enjoy a good dare - It's always good to bring awareness - in fun, creative ways. I don't want to take away from that, but it had me thinking. Digging a bit deeper, I found that we may not be aligned - in our messages.   

"So I thought Instead I'd challenge ALS to stop Animal testing. Recent experiments funded by the ALS Association, mice had holes drilled into their skulls, were inflicted with crippling illnesses, and were forced to run on an inclined treadmill until they collapsed from exhaustion. Monkeys had chemicals injected into their brains and backs and were later killed and dissected.

"What is the result of these experiments (other than a lot of suffering)? In the past decade, only about a dozen experimental ALS treatments have moved on to human trials after being shown to alleviate the disease in animals. All but one of these failed in humans..."

The post garnered several instances of praise, but also critics. Some fans charged the actress of hypocrisy, citing her rise to fame was at least in part due to her silicone breast implants, a physical enhancement tested on animals before its approval for human usage.

While most often associated with anti-fur campaigns, PETA is heavily involved with the end of animal experimentation. Co-founder Ingrid Newkirk made headlines when she proclaimed "even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it."

The group has protested against the March of Dimes, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the American Cancer Society for their roles in animal-based medical research.

TagsPamela Anderson, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, lou gehrig's disease, Baywatch