Music icon requires World Cup boycott over ‘merciless canine slaughter’

You might know him as a spooky petrolhead (and pioneer of electronic music). But Gary Numan isn’t just a fan of Cars – he’s also a committed activist, now backing a campaign from the International Animal Coalition.

Here he tells Star Paws columnist Catherine Lamb why he’s joined calls for a boycott of the World Cup 2030…

If you want to see a softer side to 80s synth-pop icon Gary Numan, just get him talking about his beloved rescue dogs. He’s got two at the moment, along with five cats and a tortoise.

“Dogs are loyal, loving animals, and they place an extraordinary amount of trust in us,” he says. His pets are all “very much part of the family” and bring a lot of “love, loyalty and character” into his life.

But ahead of the World Cup 2030, the street dogs of Morocco have been treated like a problem to be solved. The country’s authorities are said to be slaughtering millions in a brutal “clean-up” operation – although the kingdom denies this.

Charity the International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) believes FIFA should place Morocco on hold as a World Cup co-host until the alleged killing stops. And Gary is one of the big names backing their campaign.

He explains: “Living with rescue dogs also makes it impossible to think of free-roaming dogs as a problem to be removed. Every one of them is an individual animal capable of fear, trust and affection.

“Given safety, kindness and proper care, their lives can be transformed.”

More than 300,000 dogs are now allegedly being killed every year on the country’s streets – and all in the name of football. They are said to be shot, poisoned, beaten and tortured, often in view of the public and tourists.

While some locals are working to protect the pooches, those who protest have reported being intimidated and threatened.

“I find it deeply upsetting that free-roaming dogs in Morocco are reportedly being subjected to such cruelty because of a problem created by people,” says Gary.

The 68-year-old is keen to stress he’s not attacking the country itself, or its citizens. He wants to see the killing replaced with a “humane, properly-funded national programme,” where dogs are caught, neutered, vaccinated and returned safely to their communities.

“That is a more compassionate and sustainable way of managing free-roaming dog populations,” he adds.

Right now, FIFA remains under fire for its plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. But Gary and the IAWPC believe the lives of millions of dogs should be treated as equally important.

“I would like to see the same energy used to discuss FIFA’s finances directed towards protecting these animals,” he says. “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.”

Currently between tours, Gary will head out in November for a nine-date trip around the US and Canada. Then in May, he’ll be joining Simple Minds for their 50 ^th anniversary gigs.

He plans to keep using his platform to raise awareness, in the hope the next World Cup will be a “powerful catalyst for positive change.”

“Music gives you the privilege of connecting with people around the world, and I think that brings a responsibility to speak about things that matter,” he says.

To keep the streets clear of stray dogs, the IAWPC has offered to work with FIFA, the Moroccan authorities and vets to find a simple and humane solution. Sadly, they claim the country’s “track and exterminate” program has been in place for decades.

Debbie Wilson, vice-chair of the IAWPC, calls it “cruel” and “completely ineffective in reducing the dog population”. But she adds: “With enough of the right type of pressure, there is more of a chance they will put a stop to it.”

• The IAWPC has urged fans to write to FIFA, the World Health Organisation and the Moroccan government, and lobby football players and clubs, to support their campaign.
• You can also sign their online petition by heading to iawpc.org/morocco-dog-campaign