Campaigners urging an end to the mass killing of dogs in Morocco have taken their message to Westminster, calling on UK politicians to help pressure the North African nation to stop the slaughter ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Members of the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) met with MPs, animal welfare supporters and celebrities at Parliament to highlight ongoing reports of dogs being shot and poisoned as part of so-called “clean-up” operations linked to World Cup preparations. Those attending included Jeremy Corbyn MP, Ruth Jones MP, Irene Campbell MP, veterinarian and campaigner Dr Marc Abraham OBE, and actor Peter Egan.
The IAWPC launched its international campaign a year ago after the release of footage showing widespread killings in Moroccan streets. Despite public assurances from Moroccan authorities that dog culling had been banned, the coalition says the practice has continued in several regions.
“With FIFA’s help, we’ve proposed a compassionate and effective alternative to mass killing, and we will not stop until this cruelty ends”
Now representing more than 80 animal protection organisations worldwide – including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and PETA – the IAWPC has proposed a humane alternative to Morocco’s Draft Law 19.25. The group’s redraft calls for animals to be legally recognised as sentient beings and for the introduction of community-based, ethical population management measures.
Les Ward MBE, chairman of the IAWPC, said: “Yesterday was a vital opportunity to show MPs that the eyes of the world remain firmly on Morocco. With FIFA’s help, we’ve proposed a compassionate and effective alternative to mass killing, and we will not stop until this cruelty ends.”
The Westminster meeting follows the coalition’s submission of its revised draft law to Moroccan authorities and growing international backing for its campaign. Among its supporters are the late Dr Jane Goodall, Chris Packham, Gary Numan and Lorraine Kelly.
Campaigners say they will continue to urge both the Moroccan government and FIFA to ensure that compassion, not cruelty, defines the build-up to the 2030 World Cup.
