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Shocking images and reports of dogs being killed in Morocco have drawn global scrutiny of a campaign linked to the country's 2030 World Cup preparations.
The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities.
Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco's streets.
Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.
A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a 'kill center', where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.
Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.
Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a 'clean up' effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup
Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events.
The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.
'After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,' IAWPC said in a statement.
'As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.'
A FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
'With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,' the FIFA spokesperson continued.
FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco's draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco's Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country's commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: 'It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.'
The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities.
Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco's streets.
Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.
A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a 'kill center', where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.
Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.
Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a 'clean up' effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup
Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events.
The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.
'After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,' IAWPC said in a statement.
'As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.'
A FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
'With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,' the FIFA spokesperson continued.
FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco's draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco's Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country's commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: 'It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.'
