Seen music legend Gary Numan speak up for the World Cup dogs of Morocco today? Here's how you can help too...
Synth-pop pioneer Gary Numan has helped put the plight of Morocco’s free-roaming dogs firmly in the national spotlight with a powerful two-page spread in today’s Daily Star (September 21).
The musician appears across pages 20 and 21 of the newspaper under the headline “Our furry friends electrify Gary”, alongside the banner: “Synth-pop pioneer: Boycott World Cup over cruelty to dogs.”
Readers are encouraged to pick up a copy of today’s Daily Star wherever they can to help demonstrate the strength of public interest in the campaign.
Numan, who shares his home with two rescue dogs, five cats and a tortoise, has backed the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition’s campaign to stop the reported slaughter of free-roaming dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The star is pictured wearing an IAWPC “Justice for the Dogs” T-shirt as he calls for the killing to end and for humane dog population management to be introduced.
Up to three million dogs are believed to be at risk before Morocco co-hosts the tournament with Spain and Portugal.
Reports gathered by the IAWPC describe dogs being shot, poisoned, beaten, strangled, dragged from the streets and taken to pounds where they may be left without adequate food, water or veterinary care.
The violence is also reportedly taking place in public, exposing Moroccan citizens, children and tourists to distressing scenes.
Numan said the campaign was not an attack on Morocco or its people, pointing out that many Moroccan citizens care deeply about the dogs and are courageously working to protect them.
He said humane solutions could protect both animals and communities while creating a positive legacy from the World Cup.
“Football has enormous global influence. If players, clubs, national associations and supporters lend their voices to this campaign, I believe they can help bring about real change.”
Numan said the killing should be replaced with a properly funded national catch, neuter, vaccinate and return programme, supported by transparency, safeguards and independent monitoring.
The IAWPC, which represents 83 animal welfare organisations, has repeatedly offered its knowledge and support to help establish an effective and humane programme.
IAWPC vice-chair Debbie Wilson said Morocco’s longstanding “track and exterminate” approach was both cruel and ineffective, particularly in a country where rabies remains endemic.
She said catching, neutering, vaccinating and returning dogs would gradually reduce the population while creating herd immunity. Education programmes could also help change attitudes, encourage empathy and improve the treatment of animals living within communities.
But Debbie said sustained international pressure was vital if the dogs were to be protected.
“With enough of the right type of pressure, there is more of a chance they will put a stop to it.”
Seen Gary speak up? Here’s how you can too
The Daily Star’s coverage gives the dogs a powerful national platform, but every reader can help keep the pressure on.
Pick up today’s Daily Star
Buy a copy of the newspaper where you can, share a photograph of the spread and tell friends, family and fellow animal lovers why the campaign matters.
Sign and share the petitions
Add your name to the petition calling on the Moroccan Government to end the violence HERE
Sign the petition calling on FIFA to demand that Morocco stops killing dogs HERE
Write to FIFA
Email FIFA at:
Ask the organisation to use its global influence to ensure that the killing stops and humane dog population management is implemented before the 2030 World Cup.
Write to the Moroccan Government and the World Heath Organisation:
For Moroccan Government email:
For the World Health Organisation email:
Keep correspondence respectful, but make it clear that shooting, poisoning and violently removing dogs is unacceptable and must be replaced by a properly funded catch, neuter, vaccinate and return programme.
Contact the footballing world
Write to football players, clubs, managers, sponsors and national associations. Ask them to follow Gary Numan’s example and publicly support a humane solution.
As Numan said: “Football fans have a particularly powerful voice. Players, managers and clubs can reach millions of people with a single message, so I would urge readers to ask the footballing world and their favourite teams to stand with the campaign.”
Join the London action
Campaigners will gather in London on October 26 to call for an end to the killing.
To take part or request more information, email:
Find out more at www.iawpc.org
