March 1st 2025 is the first Day of the Morocco Dog, and the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) is urging participants around the world to put their best foot, or paw, forward for the three million street dogs, who are being cruelly slaughtered to prepare for the FIFA football World Cup 2030.
Many dogs are poisoned but survive the experience which leaves them in a debilitated and critical state. Others are beaten, shot and stabbed.
Gary Numan said: "Dogs are loyal and loving, and this is a human made problem, which is being dealt with in a way which dishonours not only these beautiful animals, but the people of Morocco.
“To make matters worse this is all in the name of football. Anyone who has ever thrown a ball for their own dog and anyone with a heart will understand how disgusting this is."
The IAWPC has a growing number of celebrity supporters, including Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, TV vet Marc Abrahams and world renowned conservationists Jane Goodall and Chris Packham. And the coalition has organised the global sponsored walk after receiving requests from concerned Moroccan citizens to help cover veterinary bills to provide emergency life saving treatment for the dogs.
The IAWPC, which is a group of respected global animal charities including In Defence of Animals, PETA, Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and the Soi Dog Foundation, is aiming for 406 registered participants, all walking, or running, a sponsored 5k which when combined totals 2030 kilometres for the dogs endangered by the World Cup preparations.
You can register for the event for free by emailing outreach@iawpc.org leaving your name and location. Participants are also being asked to share photographs or videos of their challenge on the day.
Les Ward, president of the IAWPC, said: "What is happening in Morocco is horrific, dogs are being killed in the most brutal ways in full view of the public including children on a daily basis.
"FIFA was told that the killings had stopped in August this year, this is not true, FIFA knows this, the Moroccan government is doing this and we need them to stop these blatant acts immediately.
"Day of the Moroccan Dog is a way for people around the world to show their support for the dogs, and make their voice heard. Send a clear message to Morocco and FIFA that the world is watching.
"Anyone can take part, get out a Sharpie and write on a t-shirt a slogan of your choice. This is a universal inclusive event which is designed to make as much noise as possible”.
To sign up for the walk and get your free action pack email outreach@iawpc.org To find out more about the campaign go to www.iawpc.org