World cup row as million stray dogs could be killed in Morocco

With the 2030 FIFA World Cup still years away, Morocco’s preparations for the tournament are facing scrutiny from international animal rights organisations.

According to CNN, campaigners allege that authorities have intensified efforts to remove stray dogs from city streets as the country readies itself to host matches alongside Spain and Portugal. Activists estimate that as many as three million stray dogs live across Morocco, though the precise number is disputed.

Activists raise alarm over alleged killings

The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition, IAWPC, says it has submitted evidence to FIFA urging the governing body to address what it describes as widespread culling.

In a statement cited by UNILAD, the IAWPC said: “After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically.

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“As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.”

Animal welfare groups claim they have gathered photographs and witness testimony alleging that dogs have been shot or poisoned, and in some cases removed from neighborhoods without explanation. These claims have not been independently verified.

Officials cite tourism and public health concerns

Speaking to CNN last year, Omar Jaïd, President of the Provincial Tourism Council of Ifrane, said authorities had “started cleaning the streets of stray dogs, as part of our preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup."

Jaïd, who described himself as a “dog lover,” told the broadcaster that animals were being collected, vaccinated and placed in facilities rather than killed.

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Moroccan officials have also defended action against stray dogs on public health grounds. Mohammed Roudani of the Interior Ministry told CNN that dogs are “carries of rabies” and that “around 100,000 people are bitten every year, 40% of them children under 15”.

Dispute over treatment of stray animals

Les Ward, head of the IAWPC, challenged the official account in comments to CNN. “Individuals armed with rifles go out into the streets, often at night, and shoot the dogs,” he said.

Ward further alleged that facilities described as vaccination centres are “municipal dispensaries where they are poisoned,” claiming the animals “simply disappear.”

Animal rights organisation PETA has also weighed in. In a petition addressed to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, and referenced by UNILAD, the group alleged that the government plans to “exterminate 99% of all homeless dogs.”

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FIFA has been contacted for comment, according to UNILAD.

Sources: UNILAD

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