Morocco Faces Backlash Over Plans to Cull 3 Million Stray Dogs Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Morocco is under intense international scrutiny for its controversial plan to cull three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. The North African country aims to create a cleaner environment for the influx of tourists expected during the global event. However, the methods employed in the culling process have sparked widespread outrage, with activists and organizations condemning them as inhumane and illegal.
According to reports, Moroccan authorities are using methods such as poisoning with strychnine, shooting, and beating dogs to death. The Daily Mail revealed that these actions are often carried out in public spaces, with dogs being shot or poisoned in full view of local residents. Survivors are reportedly beaten to death with shovels, further fueling public anger.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) has strongly criticized the culling methods, describing them as “inhumane and illegal.” The organization estimates that millions of dogs will be killed if the practice continues. In response, the IAWPC has launched a global campaign titled “Morocco’s Ugly Secret,” aiming to document the authorities’ actions and rally international support to stop the killings.
“Almost every day, individuals acting on behalf of the Moroccan government tour the streets: shooting dogs around the clock armed with rifles and pistols. Rarely killed outright, wounding is a major consequence. Poisoning dogs using either ‘stick’ type implements with a syringe on the end containing the poison, or through feeding them poisoned bait by hand, are common practices,” the IAWPC stated in a report.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media have amplified public outrage. One video shows a dog lying in a pool of blood, while another depicts terrified dogs being thrown into a truck packed with other frightened animals. These graphic images have drawn widespread condemnation from animal rights groups and the general public.
Renowned primatologist and animal rights advocate Jane Goodall has also weighed in, urging FIFA to hold Morocco accountable. In an open letter, Goodall called on FIFA to suspend Morocco’s hosting rights if the killings persist. “I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,” she wrote.
The controversy has ignited a global call for accountability and a halt to the culling. Activists and concerned citizens are demanding that Moroccan authorities adopt alternative solutions that respect animal rights and prioritize humane practices. Proposed alternatives include spaying and neutering programs, as well as community-driven initiatives to manage the stray dog population.
As pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether Morocco will heed the calls for change or risk further damage to its international reputation ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
