Canadian singer Grimes is following in the footsteps of Pamela Anderson by refusing to participate in the popular Als Ice Bucket Challenge because the researchers benefiting from the awareness and cash boost carry out tests on animals.

The former Baywatch star urged celebrities to investigate the charity's research practices in a message on Facebook.com earlier this week (ends24Aug14).

She wrote, "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...

"I thought Instead I'd challenge Als to stop Animal testing...Trying to cure human diseases by relying on outdated and ineffective animal experiments isn't only cruel - it's a grave disservice to people who desperately need cures..."

Grimes has joined Anderson in her boycott, but has vowed to donate to The Malala Fund, which "empowers girls through education

to achieve their potential and be agents of positive change in their communities," instead.

On her website, she writes, "I would like to say that I don't feel great about wasting water in this california (sic) drought, but i will donate money.

"However I will not donate money to this foundation because of their record of testing on animals, but I will donate money to the Malala fund because education is the key to ending almost every issue that faces humanity and our world today..."

Als Association bosses have confirmed they sponsor testing on mice and worms.