Ricky Gervais, Parliament, and a Policy That’s Keeping People on the Streets
An estimated one in four people experiencing homelessness has a pet. And many of the shelters that could help them won’t take animals — leaving people choosing to sleep rough rather than give up the one constant in their lives.
Street Paws, a charity supporting homeless people and their pets across the north of England, has been making this case for years. Their “No One Left Outside” campaign — backed by Ricky Gervais and actor Peter Egan — took that argument to Parliament in May, bringing together MPs, housing experts and people with lived experience of housing insecurity.
No one should have to choose between a roof and their pet. Sign in under a minute.
What Parliament Heard
Michelle Southern OBE, founder and CEO of Street Paws, was direct:
“When accommodation providers refuse pets, they are not offering help. They are issuing an impossible ultimatum.”
— Michelle Southern OBE, founder & CEO, Street Paws
Peter Egan, who knew Street Paws ambassador Antilly (the dog from After Life) personally, added: “No one should be forced to choose between a home and the animal they love.”
The Fix Requires No New Law
Social landlords in the private rented sector already can’t unreasonably refuse pets where it’s safe to do so. This campaign asks for the same rule to apply to shelters and temporary housing. No new legislation. No new funding. Just consistency.
There’s a live petition in Parliament right now. It needs 10,000 signatures to get a Government response. It currently has 6,594 and closes 14 July 2026.
Street Paws’ “No One Left Outside” campaign event in Parliament, May 2026.