The unforgettable look in a hen's eyes begging for help! Chen Yumin has devoted 25 years to animal protection, insisting that flipping the world "depends on scattered forces"

After editing the book "Animal Liberation," Chen Yumin resolutely devoted herself to animal protection work for 25 years. Together with friends, she co-founded the "Taiwan Animal Society Research Association" (hereinafter referred to as "Dongshe") to speak for animals. Her schedule is packed almost every day, rushing from place to place. Twice, reporters' appointments were abruptly stood up. "I have to rush to a protest venue now, can we talk later?"

She describes herself as sentimental and prone to crying, but when defending animal welfare, her tone turns firm, emphasizing that no life should be abused. Observing Dongshe's thinking through the campaign to transform the laying hen industry, over the years Dongshe has not only helped egg farmers shift to animal-welfare egg production, but also actively helped egg farmers open up sales channels, lobbied legislators, monitored legal amendments, and educated consumers. Chen Yumin believes that although currently only 7% of eggs in Taiwan are friendly eggs, one day it will become 10%, 25%, 30%. "By that time you'll know the entire system can be flipped!"

To change the egg industry, efforts must be made on all fronts: government, egg farmers, and sales channels

"I don't want to be just a protester, finishing one issue and then it's over." Chen Yumin says Dongshe hopes to flip the current egg industry. Facing the triangular relationship of the egg industry structure: government, egg farmers, and distributors, Dongshe members adopt strategic division of labor, lobbying officials on one hand, going deep into the industry and coaching egg farmers in transition on the other, while also expanding egg sales channels and educating the consuming public.

As more and more farmers transition to friendly animal husbandry, according to Dongshe's internal statistics, eggs from barn and pasture production currently account for 7% of total fresh egg output. However, compared with the EU, which officially abolished battery cage hen farming as early as 2012, Taiwan's policy always seems to lag one step behind.

Chen Yumin points out that Taiwan has not yet banned the construction of new battery cages, nor is it willing to set a sunset clause for abolishing battery cages. She states bluntly that the government lacks policy vision and always trails behind the industry. "(The government) as the helmsman should know where this ship should sail, so that the people can follow with confidence."

But she emphasizes that Dongshe is not advocating that everyone go vegetarian, only that humans should not deprive animals of their right to survive for reasons of food or management. "Whether you eat it or not, no life should be abused."

To solve problems, you must know how to shift positions

"NGOs must always know how to shift positions." Chen Yumin once again shares her work philosophy. When first speaking out on an issue, you must first be a "brick knocker." When you keep working hard at knocking bricks, you will attract more and more partners willing to break down this wall together. But once you have gathered a massive brick-knocking force and you know the wall is about to be breached, you must "move positions" and become a "builder" of a new wall, starting the work of building another system, otherwise the entire system will collapse.

Compared with most people who dare not take sides and fear choosing the wrong side, Dongshe "plays both the good cop and the bad cop."

Chen Yumin further explains that Dongshe speaks for the disadvantaged laying hens and demands that egg farmers raise chickens humanely, but when farmers need assistance, they also provide support. When facing those in power such as the government and enterprises who are willing to support friendly animal husbandry, they must eliminate confrontation, shift positions, and stand on the same side as them. Chen Yumin emphasizes that although society must have opponents and challengers, "positions are not permanent. Only by observing the situation and timely changing one's tasks can problems truly be solved."

Along the way, Dongshe has faced difficulties such as resource shortages and insufficient manpower, as well as attacks and insults from industry operators. Members have been so anxious before sleep that they could not fall asleep, but they still persist in working to improve the situation of animals, hoping that one day Taiwan can truly realize the vision of friendly animal husbandry.