Tiny disabled puppy Mickey, saved from being shooed into traffic, becomes symbol of hope as 3 million dogs face death ahead of 2030 World Cup.
A tiny, disabled puppy named Mickey, who was shooed into the path of oncoming traffic by a heartless man in Morocco, is now set for a happy new life in the UK – and his rescue is galvanising celebrity support in a growing global campaign to stop the mass killing of street dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has joined the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) after learning about the horrific treatment of strays in Morocco. The country is reportedly planning to cull up to 3 million dogs as it prepares to co-host the tournament.
“I was horrified when I heard that 3 million dogs are set to be killed in the name of Morocco hosting the World Cup 2030, and am proud to support the IAWPC’s campaign,” Lorraine 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.”
Mickey’s ordeal was caught in a harrowing scene that unfolded this week, when passers-by saw a man shooing the tiny, paralysed dog into traffic. The act – horrifying yet still legal in Morocco – was interrupted by a group of quick-thinking tourists who had seen the IAWPC’s campaign in the media.
The group immediately contacted the IAWPC and managed to pull Mickey from the road. He is now receiving urgent care in a shelter while arrangements are made for his adoption by nurse Kitty Ormerod, 29, and her partner Mick, 35, in West London.
Remarkably, Mickey has regained some feeling in his back legs. A vet believes he was beaten with a blunt object, resulting in nerve damage – one more tragic symptom of the widespread abuse these dogs face.
But Mickey’s story is not unique. He is one of millions of dogs at risk, as Moroccan authorities push forward with a brutal campaign to ‘clean up’ the streets ahead of the global spotlight. According to the IAWPC, more than 1,000 shocking videos have surfaced showing public killings of dogs — often in front of children and tourists.
“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.
“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.”
The IAWPC is urging FIFA to hold Morocco accountable – and to refuse the country the right to host the World Cup unless it introduces humane, sustainable alternatives such as Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) programmes, and nationwide education to shift public attitudes towards strays.
Their plea is backed by a growing coalition of voices including Dame Jane Goodall, Chris Packham, Gary Numan, and now Lorraine Kelly. Major charities like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and PETA are also lending their support.
Despite the public outcry, FIFA has yet to comment. The IAWPC continues to demand action, warning that every day of silence costs lives.
Mickey, now safe and surrounded by care, has become the face of a movement. But the fate of countless other dogs remains uncertain.
To learn more or support the campaign, visit www.iawpc.org.