Taiwan Animal Protection Party Becomes the First Animal Rights Party in the Country

The Taiwan Animal Protection party, the first political party dedicated to animal rights in the country, was launched earlier this week. Several politicians, business leaders, Buddhist monks and even supporters gathered for an inauguration at a party, where the vote for the party’s leader took place.

In addition, there was much support from Buddhist organizations, who supported the founding of the party. There was also a blessing ceremony for animals that took place earlier this week, where some politicians gave speeches.

Hua Pei-Chun, who was elected the Animal Protection Party’s executive officer, told Taipei Times: “The animal rights movement has a large support base, but its momentum is diffused by different campaigns. The legislation of progressive laws requires consistent output and solidarity. That is why the party was founded.”

The party will be participating in elections, hoping to win seats on local councils, or even better, national legislature, to be able to represent the rights of animals.

In addition, the party has made plans to set up volunteer programs and establish chapters in cities and counties around the country to raise awareness for the issues involving animal cruelty before heading off to the elections, according to Hua Pei-Chun.

On top of that, the party is also making certain preparations to help local governments with fundraising, as well as staffing, in preparation for the “zero euthanasia” policy that will be taken into effect this upcoming February.

Hua Pei-Chun stated: “We have the determination to enter politics. Political involvement is the most direct way to change the system.”

Ms. Pei-Chun has never had any experience in “animal right advocacy,” according to Taipei Times, prior to being elected as executive officer. She previously worked in direct marketing. However, she has set very high expectations and she has made several plans for the new party.

In addition, not only is the party planning on raising awareness for animal welfare, but the party is also planning on helping to improve the condition of farm animals as they aim to promote a more “humane” way of slaughtering animals for food and other things.

They will also be referencing a campaign launched by the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, who wants an end to animal cruelty and events such as selling pigs at auctions and slaughtering innocent animals.

Despite all of these plans taken into account, the party has yet to establish a policy platform.

Since Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is going big on veganism, it is great to see that a political party dedicated to animal rights has been launched. The Taiwan Animal Protection party is hoping to get as much support as they can get.

#animalrights #politics