Animal welfare campaigners have accused the Moroccan authorities of deploying a “dangerous propaganda strategy” to justify a fresh wave of dog killings across cities preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on 21 December.
This Tuesday, we will be in London for our largest demonstration so far, standing shoulder to shoulder with supporters from around the world ahead of speeches in UK Parliament from our lead campaigner Debbie Wilson, and renowned Moroccan actress and animal advocate Ouidad Elma.
If you share our disgust we would be grateful if you could help by taking from the suggested text below (or your own version) and writing to Fifa.
Les Ward MBE, 74, from Edinburgh, says he is “bursting with pride” after Scotland booked their place at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
But the veteran campaigner, who received his MBE for services to animal welfare from the late Queen, says the joy and image of the beautiful game is being overshadowed by a brutal crisis unfolding thousands of miles away, in preparation for another FIFA World Cup tournament in 2030.
FIFA has confirmed that, in partnership with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), it has helped with the submission of a revised version of Morocco’s Draft Law 19.25 to the Moroccan government for consideration, a key step in efforts to stop the mass authority killing of free roaming dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Around 10,000 dogs a week are currently being slaughtered across Morocco, and research indicates that the killings intensify around sites designated to be prepared for the World Cup 2030 tournament, which Morocco shares with Spain and Portugal. Draft Law 19.25, with the revised heading of, Concerning Humane Dog and Cat Care, Welfare and Management, sets out a framework for the humane management of dogs and cats in Morocco, including measures for responsible ownership, sterilisation, and the ethical control of free-roaming populations. The previous original proposed version by the Government, which is currently progressing through Morocco’s parliament, has faced close scrutiny and widespread criticism, since it would ‘criminalise kindness’ and make it illegal to shelter or provide care to a free roaming dog in your home, or feed dogs and cats in the street. FIFA confirmed its role in supporting the expert-led revision, saying: “After discussions between FIFA and the IAWPC, an expert panel to redraft Morocco’s Draft Law 19.25 was formed by the IAWPC.The panel, which includes senior legal and animal welfare experts from across the globe, have now completed their work. FIFA helped the IAWPC by submitting the revised draft law directly to the Moroccan authorities.” The IAWPC’s version of the legislation, drawn up by an international panel of experts from Europe, Africa, India and Thailand, places greater emphasis on recognising animals as sentient beings and ensuring that management practices are humane, science-based, and sustainable. It also proposes the inclusion of education
A hard-hitting protest took place outside the World Travel Market at London’s ExCeL Centre yesterday, as campaigners from the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) joined forces with member charity PETA to expose the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
This law sets forth the rules for humane dog and cat care and management.
Projet de loi n° 19.25 relative au bien-être ainsi qu’au traitement et à la
gestion sans cruauté des chiens et des chats
Campaigners fighting to end the brutal killing of dogs in Morocco took their message to Parliament yesterday, calling on politicians to help pressure the North African nation to stop the slaughter ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
A year after launching its global campaign to end the mass killing of around 3million dogs in Morocco, the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) has announced a major breakthrough, submitting a rewritten draft of Morocco’s controversial Draft Law 19.25 with support from FIFA.
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