A traumatised dog left for dead as part of Morocco’s brutal World Cup “clean-up” is desperately seeking a loving home outside the country.
Les, a two-year-old street dog, suffered horrific injuries after being stabbed and poisoned in a government-led purge to rid the streets of dogs before FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s visit. Across Morocco, thousands of dogs are being slaughtered to present a sanitised image ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Rescued by Moroccan animal lovers, Les was rushed to a vet, suffering from an ulcerated mouth due to poison ingestion, severe internal damage, and deep wounds across his body from medieval-style clamping devices used to trap him.
Once a beloved community dog who lived outside a salon, Les was cared for and adored by locals, especially children. The salon owner wept when she saw what had been done to him.
The International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), which includes the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and PETA, is calling for Morocco to stop its mass slaughter of dogs and instead implement humane spaying and neutering programmes. But as preparations ramp up for the 2030 World Cup, authorities are pushing forward with a merciless plan to exterminate three million dogs.
Les Ward, chairman of the IAWPC, condemned FIFA’s role in the bloodshed:
“Les, this innocent dog named after me, has suffered unimaginable brutality. While FIFA’s president smiled and waved, mass dog killings were carried out to make way for his visit. Les was fighting for his life in intensive care—but against all odds, he survived. He’s now neutered, tagged, and desperately needs a safe, loving home outside Morocco.”
Ward also took aim at FIFA’s corporate backers, including Qatar Airways, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Hyundai, for turning a blind eye:
“Because of the government, FIFA, and their sponsors, Morocco is a war zone for dogs. Nowhere is safe. We will be sending the bill for Les’ treatment directly to Mr Infantino—because it’s his visits and others like it that enable these atrocities.”
The IAWPC has garnered support from high-profile animal advocates, including Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, conservationists Jane Goodall and Chris Packham, and music icon Gary Numan, who urged the public to take action:
“This is a human-made problem being dealt with in the most dishonourable way. And all for football. If you’ve ever thrown a ball for your dog, you’ll understand how sickening this is. FIFA must step in—or there should be no World Cup for Morocco.”
📢 How You Can Help:
• Give Les a Home: If you can adopt him, email outreach@iawpc.org
• Sign the Petition: Demand FIFA and Morocco end this cruelty at www.iawpc.org
For Les, and millions like him, time is running out.