Taking on the most neglected animal issues

We are committed to speaking out for animals of all kinds – namely farmed animals, animals used in research, companion animals, animals used in entertainment, wild animals and marine life – and advancing civic participation and transparent government. As Taiwan’s animal protection movement has matured and new organizations have emerged, we have devoted a greater portion of our resources to the most neglected cause areas: the welfare of animals used for food (including aquatic animals) and in research and testing, and conserving our marine life.

經濟動物

Farmed Animals

Hundreds of millions of farmed animals are used to produce meat, eggs, and milk every year in Taiwan, though their plight remains largely out of sight and out of mind. Our research and investigations bring the lives of farmed animals into the public discourse and have resulted in laws and policies to protect their interests. In addition to our work to improve animal welfare, we also advocate for a reduction in the consumption of animal products and the uptake of plant-based diets.

Together, these form the two pillars of our efforts to change the lives of farmed animals in Taiwan.

實驗動物

Animals Used in Research

We advocate for the adoption of the 3Rs principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, and are the first organization in Taiwan to take a stand for the interests of animals used in research and testing. While we believe science and ethics are both of utmost importance, sophisticated animal-free technologies promise to overcome the deficiencies and limitations of traditional animal tests and deliver superior outcomes for science and animals.

In recent years, we have successfully lobbied for the establishment of an inter-ministerial platform for alternative technologies and an end to unnecessary animal experiments.

同伴動物

Companion Animals

We are committed to confronting the root causes of issues facing companion animals. We seek to educate the public on responsible ownership of companion animals, while advocating for stricter regulation of their breeding and trade.

Since the introduction of the Animal Protection Act, we have successfully lobbied for the introduction of animal protection units and animal cruelty inspectors at both the central and local government level, and removed the management of stray animal populations from garbage collection squads.

野生動物

Wild Animals

We are committed to actively safeguarding natural habitats and the well-being of wild animal populations which are threatened by human development and the trade in wildlife products.

Over the years, we have successfully halted the use of bear bile and rhino horn in traditional medicines, banned the trade in seal products, and worked to ensure the enforcement of Taiwan’s wildlife laws, including inappropriate mercy release practices.

展演動物

Animals Used in Entertainment

We oppose any captive keeping of wild animals that is not for the purpose of wildlife conservation, including improper confinement, performances that force animals to act against their instincts, and inappropriate breeding, trade or transport.

Since 2000, we have investigated and exposed the improper confinement of animals in public and private zoos, leading to the closure of cruel wildlife exhibitions and performances. Most importantly, we secured the implementation of the Regulations for Animal Performances, sparking a drastic overhaul of the industry.

海洋保育

Marine Conservation

It is critical that we take urgent action to address our rapidly depleting marine ecosystems. We have successfully acted to ban shark finning, ban the catching of great white, megamouth and basking sharks, and restrict the catch and sale of egg-bearing crabs.

We also collaborate with international organizations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. We demand the strengthening of traceability and transparency mechanisms as the first steps on the path towards more sustainable fisheries.