Global Animal Welfare Movement Gains Momentum at London Symposium

The Duo Duo Project's Compassion Beyond Borders Symposium in London united animal advocates, supporters, and partners from multiple continents, highlighting significant progress in the global movement to end the dog and cat meat trade. The gathering served as a powerful demonstration that compassion transcends geographical boundaries and that coordinated international efforts are creating tangible change in animal welfare practices.

For over twelve years, Duo Duo Project has maintained continuous on-the-ground operations in China, working to transform attitudes through humane education, community outreach, and sustainable stray population control methods. Andrea Gung, Founder and Executive Director of Duo Duo Project, reflected on the organization's evolution from what once seemed impossible to a growing movement that is winning hearts across international borders. The London event brought together members of the international Duo Duo Pack, volunteers, and advocates who traveled from Asia, North America, and Europe to celebrate achievements and strategize for future impact.

A central focus of the symposium was the organization's groundbreaking Spay and Neuter Training Center, the first facility of its kind in China. This innovative initiative trains veterinarians and animal welfare workers in humane methods to reduce stray populations, directly addressing one of the root causes driving animals into the meat trade. Gung emphasized the strategic importance of this approach, noting that when the supply of stray animals vulnerable to the meat trade diminishes, the trade itself begins to collapse. Each spay or neuter procedure represents not just an individual life protected but a systematic step toward permanently ending this form of animal cruelty.

The symposium featured emotional presentations documenting Duo Duo Project's work through photographs and videos, showcasing both the challenges and successes in their mission. The atmosphere throughout the event was characterized by unity and renewed purpose as participants shared experiences and strengthened their collective commitment to animal welfare. One of the most significant moments was the presentation of Duo Duo Project's inaugural Compassion Beyond Borders Awards, which honored Nancy Janes of Romania Animal Rescue and Karen Reed of Dogs Trust UK for their exceptional contributions to global animal welfare collaboration.

Christy, Director of Campaigns and Development at Duo Duo Project, highlighted the achievable nature of their mission despite its scale, describing the dog and cat meat trade as a winnable campaign that could be eliminated within our lifetime. The organization's work has demonstrated that cultural transformation is possible through consistent, compassionate engagement, from educational programs reaching Chinese youth to international partnerships that elevate animal welfare standards globally. What began as an effort to save one dog named Duo Duo has evolved into a worldwide movement where every volunteer, donor, and advocate contributes to measurable progress.

The organization continues to fund the completion of the Spay and Neuter Training Center through its Virtual Buy-A-Brick Campaign at https://www.duoduoproject.org, enabling global supporters to directly contribute to building the infrastructure necessary for sustainable change. Each contribution advances the center toward completion and moves the world closer to a future where fewer animals face the risks associated with the meat trade, demonstrating how strategic infrastructure development combined with educational outreach creates lasting impact in animal welfare.