The Duo Duo Project hosted a global gathering in London that united animal advocates, supporters, and partners from around the world with a shared mission to end the dog and cat meat trade. The Compassion Beyond Borders Symposium served as a reminder that compassion has no boundaries and that a global movement for kindness is well underway. For over twelve years, Duo Duo Project has worked on the ground in China 365 days a year to change hearts and minds through humane education, community outreach, and sustainable stray population control.
Andrea Gung, Founder and Executive Director of Duo Duo Project, reflected on the organization's journey, stating that what once felt impossible has become a movement winning hearts across borders. The London event brought together members of the international Duo Duo Pack, volunteers, and advocates from multiple continents to celebrate progress and chart a course toward lasting change. Attendees experienced moving photos and videos documenting Duo Duo's work, including an update on the organization's Spay and Neuter Training Center, the first of its kind in China.
This initiative trains veterinarians and animal welfare workers in humane methods to reduce stray populations, addressing one of the root causes of the dog and cat meat trade. Gung emphasized that when the supply of stray animals who fall victim to the horrific meat trade is cut off, the trade itself begins to collapse. Every spay or neuter procedure represents not just one life saved, but a step toward ending this cruelty forever. The atmosphere in London was filled with emotion, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose as attendees traveled from as far as Asia and North America to strengthen the community of advocates.
One of the most memorable moments was the presentation of Duo Duo Project's first-ever Compassion Beyond Borders Awards, honoring allies who exemplify global collaboration in animal welfare. This year's honorees were Nancy Janes of Romania Animal Rescue and Karen Reed of Dogs Trust UK. The awards symbolized the organization's growing network of partners transforming compassion into tangible change worldwide. Christy, Director of Campaigns and Development at Duo Duo Project, spoke about the urgent yet achievable nature of this mission, noting that while many horrors are out of human control, the dog and cat meat trade can be stopped within our lifetime as a winnable campaign.
From educational initiatives reaching Chinese youth to partnerships elevating animal welfare standards globally, Duo Duo Project's work has proven that cultural transformation is possible through consistent, compassionate engagement. What began as a mission to save one dog named Duo Duo has become a global movement where every volunteer, donor, and voice brings the world closer to ending this trade. The organization continues to raise funds to complete the Spay and Neuter Training Center through its Virtual Buy-A-Brick Campaign at https://www.duoduoproject.org, enabling supporters worldwide to directly contribute to building the infrastructure of compassion. Each contribution brings the center closer to completion and moves toward a world where fewer animals are at risk.
