How I Learned to Love Shrimp
Wu Hung on how Buddhism has influenced his 30 years of activism for animals in Taiwan
Sep 10, 2024
Wu Hung, founder of the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, has dedicated over 30 years to animal rights advocacy. Trained as a Buddhist monk, he discusses the influence of Buddhist principles on his activism. Wu shares stories of overcoming challenges in Taiwan's evolving animal advocacy landscape, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration. He highlights efforts for better farm animal welfare, including cage-free commitments, and the dire issues faced by the fish industry. Wu also encourages global support for local initiatives.
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Quick takeaways
- Wu Hung's Buddhism training shaped his animal advocacy approach, emphasizing compassion and public perception shifts in Taiwan's welfare movement.
- Despite advancements in animal welfare, challenges persist in Taiwan due to factory farming practices prioritizing economic interests over animal rights.
Deep dives
The Growth of Animal Welfare Movement in Taiwan
The animal welfare movement in Taiwan has significantly advanced over the past few decades, with organizations like the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) leading the charge. Activists emphasize the need to be meticulous in their campaigns, relying on thorough research and data gathering before launching public initiatives. This careful preparation stems from the relatively young state of animal welfare activism in Taiwan compared to regions like Europe and North America, where movements have been established for over a century. Specific examples of success include educational campaigns and collaboration with local government, which have helped to raise awareness and instigate policy discussions around animal welfare.
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