Hundreds of students showed their solidarity with the World Cup Dogs of Morocco on Thursday, when they took to the streets of Ahmedabad, India to make their feelings known.
The striking protest, which was in response to widely circulated news of the IAWPC’s Morocco Dogs Campaign, took place on Thursday, and the students waved placards calling on FIFA to act to stop the mass extermination of Moroccan street dogs.
The students are part of the Tapovan Youth Alumni Group, and managing trustee of the organisation Himanshu R Shah, has written to Moroccan Ambassador in India to explain their reasons for the protest.
In an extract from the open letter, he said: “We hold deep admiration for the Kingdom of Morocco and its warm ties with India, reflected in the gracious presence of His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This cherished relationship inspires hope that Morocco, a nation of rich culture and heritage, will lead by example in matters of compassion and justice.
“However, we are deeply troubled by reports of mass killings of stray dogs and cats in Morocco – innocent beings who endure unspeakable suffering, crammed into shelters where disease and starvation prevail. Reports suggest that as many as 30 lakh (three million) animals face this cruel fate.
“These are not just numbers, Your Excellency. They are loyal companions, playful friends, and innocent souls who deserve protection and care.”
Images from the protest were reproduced in Indian and international media, and Les Ward, chairman of the IAWPC (International Animal Welfare Protect Coalition) thanked the Tapovan Youth Alumni Group for using their considerable numbers to help the dogs.
He said: “We are very, very grateful to members of the Tapovan Youth Alumni Group, for organising and taking part in this most powerful protest.
” It has given the IAWPC Campaign a huge boost and I know for a fact, that it will lift the spirits of all our supporters, especially those in Morocco that have to witness this violence every day and see the ‘street and owned dogs’, their friends, being killed or dragged away to be killed, behind closed doors.”
