Campaigners fighting to end the reported mass killing of stray dogs in Morocco say political support is continuing to grow after returning to UK Parliament this week to brief MPs on what they describe as one of the world’s most pressing animal welfare issues.
Representatives from the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) attended a showcase event in Parliament on Tuesday, giving MPs and peers the opportunity to learn more about the coalition’s international campaign to end the slaughter of dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The event, organised by Animal News Agency and Wildlife Guardian, brought together ethical animal charities, campaigns, educators and businesses from across the UK to meet parliamentarians and discuss some of the biggest animal welfare issues currently facing the country and beyond.
IAWPC representatives said many MPs were visibly shocked to learn of the scale of the alleged killings taking place in Morocco in the name of preparing host cities for international sporting events.
Several long-standing parliamentary supporters of the campaign attended the event to reaffirm their backing, including Abtisam Mohamed, Irene Campbell and Ruth Jones, all of whom have previously spoken out on the issue.
Campaigners also welcomed a new parliamentary supporter after Julie Minns MP pledged her support for the coalition’s work.
The IAWPC, an alliance of more than 80 animal welfare organisations from around the world, has spent the past two years urging governments, sporting bodies and international institutions to intervene over reports that stray dogs are being rounded up and killed in Morocco. The coalition argues that humane catch-neuter-vaccinate-return programmes offer a sustainable and compassionate alternative to mass killing.
IAWPC chairman Les Ward MBE said political engagement remains one of the coalition’s most powerful tools for achieving lasting change.
Les Ward MBE said: “Political engagement is absolutely vital if we are to bring about meaningful and lasting change. Real progress happens when elected representatives understand the evidence, recognise the scale of the problem and are prepared to raise these issues at the highest levels.
“Our representatives were proud to be back in Parliament this week speaking directly with MPs about what is happening in Morocco. Every conversation helps build awareness, strengthens political support and brings us another step closer to ending this unnecessary suffering.
“We are extremely grateful to the MPs who continue to stand alongside us, and we are delighted to welcome Julie Minns as the latest parliamentarian to support our campaign. The growing cross-party interest in this issue sends a powerful message that animal welfare should never become a casualty of international sporting events.”
The parliamentary showcase formed part of the coalition’s ongoing campaign to encourage greater political scrutiny of Morocco’s stray dog management policies and to press for humane, internationally recognised alternatives to be adopted before the 2030 World Cup.
