The Hidden Cruelty Behind Animal Performances
You may never know the real truth behind animal shows: Why do elephants stand and walk in such unnatural ways? Because needles are buried in their front feet. Why do monkeys leap through flaming hoops? Because during training, they're only fed if they make the jump. Why can crocodiles appear tame enough to be petted or hugged? Because their jaws have been tightly bound.
The zoos and animal performance venues that many of us have visited often conceal a painful side of "entertainment." Behind the applause and excitement lie stories of abuse, coercion, and suffering that remain hidden from the audience.
When these animals grow old, fall ill, or lose their ability to earn money, most are left without even basic medical care. Remember Ah Ho, the hippopotamus from Tianma Ranch in 2014? After a truck accident, instead of receiving proper medical treatment, Ah Ho was heartlessly dumped into a pond and left to die.
Behind every performance is a life that deserves respect, not exploitation.
Legislative Efforts: Recognizing Animals as Beings of Nature
Animals should exist as part of nature, not merely for human entertainment. Guided by this belief, the Taiwan Rabbit Association and its partners have worked tirelessly to promote legislation regulating the use of animals in performances. Their goal was to address the widespread yet poorly managed issue of tourism-oriented farms and ranches across Taiwan by establishing clear legal standards.
The initiative was spearheaded by several organizations, including the Humane Society for Life, the Association for Animal Equality, the Taiwan SPCA, and the Taiwan Rabbit Association. Over the course of several years, these groups organized public hearings, policy briefings, petitions, and negotiations to push the reform forward.
Their efforts finally bore fruit in late 2014 when "performing animals" were officially added to the scope of the Animal Protection Act during its amendment. The new regulations were formally announced and put into effect in 2015, marking a major step forward for animal welfare legislation in Taiwan.
Meeting on Legislative Promotion and Implementation Rules of the Animal Protection Act
Amendment to Article 6-1 (New Article)
Operators engaged in animal performance and exhibition businesses must apply for and obtain a license from the competent authority before beginning operations. The standards and regulations for the establishment and management of such businesses shall be formulated by the central competent authority. Operators who were already engaged in such businesses before the enforcement of the amendment to the Animal Protection Act on January 23, 2015, must apply for a license within one year from the effective date of the amendment.
Planning and Drafting Process
After the new article was formally incorporated into the Animal Protection Act, the Council of Agriculture (COA) and various animal protection organizations promptly began drafting the implementation measures. They held multiple consultation meetings with stakeholders such as leisure farms, zoos, and related industry representatives. Through these discussions, a preliminary consensus was reached on several key points, as summarized below (final details are subject to the COA's official announcement):
- Operators must obtain a license before conducting business.
- A license renewal system will be established to ensure regular inspections.
- Regulations will specify adequate living space and welfare standards for animals used in exhibitions.
- Operators will be required to pay a proportional security deposit to serve as a care fund in case of business termination.
- Standards for professional qualifications and license issuance will be formulated for practitioners.
- Relevant penalties will be established for violations.
Legislative Purpose and Spirit
The Rabbit Lovers' Association emphasizes that the intent of this legislation is not to hinder businesses or force them to shut down. Rather, it seeks to create a meaningful and sustainable industrial system through legal measures. The goal is to guide genuinely responsible agricultural and tourism operators toward proper practices, promote accurate animal knowledge, and advance the principle of animal equality in life education. By doing so, the law aims to replace exploitative, profit-driven animal displays with genuine care and professional animal welfare management.
The Mirror of Learning
"Adults' behavior shapes children's perceptions. In a ranch setting at the same time and place, one person throws the feed while another shows their child how to feed gently. The children imitate what they see."
In life's quiet moments, learning happens in ways we rarely notice. A ranch, filled with simple acts like feeding animals, becomes a classroom for empathy. Some children watch adults toss feed carelessly, quickly copying the same motion. Others observe gentler hands and follow in kind.
Every action adults take sends a message. Whether through kindness, patience, or indifference, children absorb and reflect what surrounds them. Just as a mirror does not choose its reflection, a child reflects the world they are shown.
The lesson is simple yet profound: to raise thoughtful, compassionate children, one must first practice thoughtfulness and compassion in every small act—because little eyes are always watching, and little hearts are always learning.
The Power of Words in Animal Protection
Words have the power to move hearts, spark thought, and inspire change. In the realm of animal protection, the right message can bridge understanding between people and the lives we share our world with. Through reading, reflection, and open conversation, compassion grows into meaningful action.
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