Celebrities and campaigners unite in Parliament to back Street Paws ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign
- Hayley O'Keeffe
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Celebrities, campaigners, MPs and animal welfare experts came together in Parliament this week to support the Street Paws “No One Left Outside” campaign, which is calling for people not to be unreasonably denied accommodation simply because they have a pet.
The event, held in Parliament on May 19 and organised by The Animal News Agency brought together housing advocates, behavioural experts and high-profile supporters including Downton Abbey and After Life actor Peter Egan.
The “No One Left Outside” campaign, led by Street Paws, is calling for clearer guidance for housing providers to ensure vulnerable people are not forced to give up beloved pets in order to access accommodation, where it is safe and appropriate to keep them.
The campaign highlights the growing number of people facing homelessness or housing insecurity who refuse accommodation because pets are not permitted, leaving many sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsafe conditions rather than abandoning their animal companions.
The evening was hosted by Irene Campbell, attended by parliamentarians and well-known advocates including Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Naturewatch Foundation and Wildlife Guardian.
It featured speeches from Michelle Southern OBE, founder and CEO of Street Paws, actor and activist Peter Egan, behavioural expert Andrew Hale of Pet Remedy, and Dr Mackenzie Fong, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Research Fellow.
Guests also watched a short film about the campaign and heard directly from pet owner ambassadors about the realities of housing insecurity while caring for animals, Big Issue sellers and their dogs, who hammered home the profound message ‘you wouldn’t be expected to give up your child, it’s the same thing for us’.
Andrew Hale, emotional wellbeing expert at Pet Remedy, said: “Speaking at this event was incredibly powerful, but meeting Big Issue sellers and their dogs and hearing their stories was a real reminder of what this campaign is truly about.
“The bond between people and their animals is profound, especially during times of hardship and uncertainty. These dogs provide emotional safety, comfort and unconditional companionship, and no one should ever be forced to lose that connection simply to access somewhere to live.”
During his speech, which was briefly interrupted by a sweet exchange with Lucky Charm the dog, Peter Egan described the issue as “a moral one” and told guests: “People are sleeping in cars, on sofas, in temporary accommodation, or worse, because they refuse to abandon the animals who depend on them and they shouldn’t have to.”
He added: “Tonight, I ask you to stand with Street Paws, to support the ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign, and to help ensure that no one is ever forced to choose between a home and the love of their dog.”
Michelle Southern OBE, founder and CEO of Street Paws, said: “The outpouring of support for the ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign in Parliament was incredibly moving. To see MPs, campaigners, celebrities and professionals come together with one clear message, that people should not be forced to choose between a roof over their head and the animal they love, shows just how urgently this issue needs addressing.
“We hear heartbreaking stories every single day from people who would rather sleep rough than abandon their pet. These animals are family, emotional support and often a lifeline through trauma and hardship. The support we received in Parliament gives us real hope that change is possible.”
Street Paws works across the North of England supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and hardship with veterinary care, pet food, outreach support and advocacy, while campaigning for more pet-inclusive accommodation policies.
Find out more and sign the petition HERE
