Animal News Agency takes animal welfare campaigns to Labour Party conference

The Animal News Agency took the fight for animal welfare to the Labour Party conference, urging politicians to act on Morocco’s dog killings, trophy hunting and the barriers facing homeless people with pets.

Hayley O'Keeffe and Dr Jane Washington-Evans at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool

Founder Hayley O’Keeffe and campaigner Dr Jane Washington Evans attended in support of the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC), the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting and Street Paws.

The pair met ministers, MPs and parliamentarians to discuss the campaigns, handed out hundreds of flyers outside the conference venue and attended fringe events to put animal welfare directly to decision-makers.

For the IAWPC, the message was urgent: Britain must use its relationship with Morocco to demand an end to the killing of free-roaming dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The coalition of 83 international charities including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust warns that up to three million dogs are at risk as Morocco prepares to co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal. It is campaigning for an end to the killings and the introduction of a scientific, evidence-based programme of vaccination, sterilisation and return.

Hayley O'Keeffe was supporting the IAWPC's Morocco Dogs Campaign at the event

With the UK pursuing major commercial opportunities linked to Morocco’s World Cup preparations, campaigners want animal welfare commitments written into trade and infrastructure agreements.

The UK announced partnerships in June 2025 designed to help British businesses secure contracts in Morocco, where public procurement opportunities were estimated at around £33 billion over three years, including projects supporting the tournament.

The IAWPC is calling on ministers to make ending the dog killings a condition of that cooperation, arguing that Britain must not help deliver a football spectacle while ignoring the suffering of animals.

The Animal News Agency also raised the work of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, which seeks an end to the killing of wild animals for trophies and campaigns for a ban on hunting trophy imports into Britain. Its wider goal is to end the practice internationally.

Stands could be clearly seen by delegates as they walked into the venue and hundreds of flyers were handed out

Alongside these international issues, the pair championed Street Paws’ No One Left Outside campaign, which calls for people experiencing homelessness to be able to access accommodation with their pets.

The charity says people are being forced to choose between a safe place to sleep and the animals they love. It wants pet-inclusive support embedded in homelessness and housing policy so owners and their companions can stay together in shelters and temporary accommodation.

Hayley O’Keeffe, founder of the Animal News Agency, said: “We are not afraid to get our hands dirty and get out on the campaign trail. Giving animals a voice means being there, having those conversations and making sure their welfare is on the agenda.

Animal News Agency also supports the Street Paws No One Left Outside campaign, which had a visible presence at the conference too

“We handed out hundreds of flyers and spoke to some key people as they entered the conference venue. Those conversations were a chance to explain what is happening and what we need politicians to do.

“Fringe events were also really useful, giving us the opportunity to engage directly with people who can help make a difference for animals.

“Whether we are talking about dogs being killed in Morocco, wild animals shot for trophies or someone left outside because a hostel will not accept their pet, these are issues that deserve political attention and action.”