The Taiwan Animal Protection College (TAPC), a program of the Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST), is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Spark Challenge.

The contest aims to raise awareness of the plight of farmed animals and inspire more people to take up farmed animal advocacy in Taiwan.

With a population of 23 million, hundreds of millions of animals are farmed and slaughtered each year in Taiwan, mainly for local consumption. However, intensive farming methods and increasing urbanization have contributed to a growing disconnect between consumers and their food sources, with the plight of farmed animals largely unknown to average consumers. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has once again brought zoonotic diseases into the global spotlight, reminding us of the close links between animal welfare and human health” said Mr. Sechin Yeong-Shyang Chien, Director of the TAPC.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), 60% of the pathogens that cause human diseases originate from domestic animals or wildlife, while 75% of emerging human pathogens are of animal origin.

The worldwide practice of intensive animal farming confines billions of animals in close proximity and deprives them of the ability to engage in natural behaviours. Animals on intensive farms are placed under constant stress, resulting in weakened immune systems and greater susceptibility to disease. These conditions pose a serious threat to human health and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Chien added: “As Taiwan is facing another wave of COVID-19 infections, we hope that this campaign will remind people of the importance of farmed animal welfare and how small actions can spark big changes for farmed animals.”
 

The Spark Challenge is the first large-scale campaign designed to grow the farmed animal welfare movement in Taiwan. The contest invites aspiring individuals and groups to plan, execute and record actions to improve the welfare of farmed animals and broadcast their actions as Instagram stories. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entrants in each of the individual and team categories. The criteria will assess the level of impact, creativity and execution of the action.

Local celebrities and influencers have thrown their support behind the campaign. Popular vegan YouTubers Traveggo have signed on as brand ambassadors, while guitarist Afu Ho of the indie band Oaeen will deliver a talk on social change.

The contest will also feature a series of online talks and workshops to focused on farmed animal advocacy. The nine-part series features a stellar line-up of speakers from various fields, covering topics from farmed animal welfare to design thinking.

The inaugural contest will run from June 1 to August 31, 2022 in memory of Amy Firth. The event is generously supported by Amy’s family and friends, in addition to the Centre for Effective Altruism.

To take part in the Spark Challenge or learn more about the campaign, visit the campaign website. Details of the online talks and workshops can be found here.

Media contact

Fang Chu Chune, Researcher
Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST)
Mobile: 0923 177 193
Office: (02) 2236 9735
 

Translated by Vivian Lau