TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has joined the fight to save Morocco’s street dogs from slaughter in the lead-up to the 2030 World Cup.
She is the latest celeb – joining Jane Goodall, Chris Packham and Gary Numan – calling for FIFA to pressure the North African country to stop the killings. Morocco will host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. But campaigners say three million dogs are under threat of being slaughtered before it kicks off in a brutal clean-up of the streets.
The 65-year-old host of ITV’s Lorraine said she was “horrified” by the killings. She said: “Football is supposed to be a beautiful game, but instead innocent animals are dying and children and adults are being traumatised by this horrendous action. Tourists who visit this country also risk being subjected to this violence.
“I am calling on FIFA to step in and tell Morocco that if they do not reduce their dog population in a humane way by sterilising and vaccinating the dogs, then there will be no World Cup. The lives of animals should not be seen as simply an obstacle in the way — it’s so upsetting.”
Her plea comes as a tiny disabled puppy rescued from being pushed into the path on coming traffic is now moving to the UK.
Mickey, who was unable to use his back legs, was spotted by a group of tourists on holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco, after a man was seen shooing him into the road. The group immediately called the International Animal Coalition (IPAW), who helped transport him to a shelter. After receiving treatment, the Aidi dog – a breed native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa – has regained some feeling in his back legs and is able to walk. It is understood that he has been beaten with a blunt object causing nerve damage. Preparations are underway to send him to nurse Kitty Ormerod, 29, in West London.
Miraculously, Mickey has now regained some feeling in his back legs and is able to walk, with a vet saying that it looks like the tiny dog was beaten with a blunt object which caused nerve damage.
The IAWPC has documented more than 1,000 pieces of horrific footage of the public slaughter of these innocent animals — often left to die in full view of the public.. In some cases, their bodies are abandoned in front of shocked children and passers-by.
“Mickey’s rescue is a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise tragic situation,” said Les Ward, chairman of the IAWPC.
“His story highlights the urgency of the crisis facing Morocco’s street dogs, and we are so pleased that the tourists who spotted his plight knew to contact us. It shows our campaign is gaining momentum.
“With his back legs paralysed, Mickey’s life was already incredibly challenging before he was thrown into this heartless situation. We are so pleased that he is getting on his feet again and is going to get the happy life that all dogs deserve. He’s one of the lucky ones. Many more won’t make it.”
He added: “The scale of this operation is nothing short of a massacre. These animals are being treated with utter cruelty. It’s vital that FIFA and the global community step in to demand an end to this senseless slaughter.”
FIFA has been approached for comment.
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