Morocco under fire for dog massacres before World Cup tournament
In the heart of North Africa, Morocco, a country known for its vibrant culture and rich history, finds itself embroiled in a contentious issue regarding its stray dog population. Despite government declarations and recently approved animal welfare laws promoting the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) method, there are substantial concerns about enforcement, transparency, and true adherence to humane treatment.
The founder of the Hayat project, Salima Kadaoui, is making strides in Tangier by implementing the TNVR method, aiming to control the stray dog population and eradicate rabies. However, credible evidence suggests that Morocco continues to cull stray dogs, despite government denials.
A recent draft law, Bill 19.25, approved in July 2025, supports humane management and criminalizes animal cruelty. The law also formalizes TNVR as the preferred management method, introduces regulations on shelters, and penalizes unauthorized feeding to control stray populations [1][3]. Yet, videos and eyewitness accounts from August 2025 indicate ongoing cruelty. Sterilized and tagged dogs are reportedly poisoned and shot, which contradicts the proclaimed humane approach [1].
One such incident occurred in the city of Oujda, where a continuing dog round-up and extermination campaign is underway. Official videos show a government-run animal facility being built with tiny concrete cells and chemical disposal pits, lacking adoption or TNVR infrastructure. Animal advocacy groups label these facilities as "death camps" [2].
Officials claim that killing stray dogs only occurs if they pose a real threat, condemning torture otherwise. However, practical enforcement is inconsistent, and the administration's silence is seen as complicity by some sources [2].
Morocco has invested heavily in TNVR since 2019, with millions spent and dedicated centers opened. Yet, the continuation of harsh culling suggests a gap between policy and practice [4]. Each year, about 100,000 stray dog bites occur nationwide, as per official data. Online videos show dogs being shot or poisoned with strychnine in Morocco [5].
The FIFA 2030 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, has added fuel to the fire. Animal welfare groups have accused Morocco of culling stray dogs ahead of the tournament, with France's Brigitte Bardot Foundation calling for FIFA to block Morocco from hosting [6].
However, the Moroccan government denies these accusations and claims to endorse a non-lethal method called TNVR. They have developed a mobile app to explain the work of the clinics and allow users to report sightings of stray dogs. A resident of Tangier witnessed a dog being poisoned and killed, with the dog also having an ear tag, indicating it had been sterilized and vaccinated [7].
The story of a young female dog, tagged "636," serves as a glimmer of hope. She is currently recovering at a clinic after being sterilized and will soon be released. The Moroccan authorities have also opened an active TNVR clinic in al-Arjat near Rabat, where over 500 dogs have been treated this year, and nearly half have been released [8].
As the debate continues, it is clear that public awareness on proper behavior around strays and debunking myths, such as the idea that spitting on a dog bite could heal the injury, is crucial. An online petition to end the killing of dogs in Morocco has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures, underscoring the public's growing concern [9].
In conclusion, while Morocco has made strides in promoting TNVR, the ongoing reports of stray dog culling raise serious questions about the country's commitment to humane animal treatment. As the World Cup approaches, it is hoped that the Moroccan government will take decisive action to address these concerns and ensure the welfare of its stray dog population.
References:
- Animal advocacy groups accuse Morocco of culling stray dogs ahead of World Cup
- Morocco accused of culling stray dogs ahead of World Cup
- Morocco passes bill to protect street animals
- Morocco's investment in TNVR for stray dog population control
- Online videos show dogs being shot or poisoned with strychnine in Morocco
- France's Brigitte Bardot Foundation calls on FIFA to block Morocco from hosting the 2030 tournament
- Resident of Tangier witnesses a dog being poisoned and killed
- Active TNVR clinic in al-Arjat near Rabat treats over 500 dogs this year
- Online petition to end the killing of dogs in Morocco gathers nearly 75,000 signatures
On the sporting front, the FIFA 2030 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, has sparked controversy over the treatment of stray dogs in Morocco. In contrast to the government's claims of endorsing a non-lethal TNVR method, eyewitness accounts and videos suggest ongoing cruelty towards such dogs, including instances of poisoning and shooting [1, 7].
Despite Morocco's focus on sports and forthcoming events, the welfare of its stray dog population remains a contentious issue, with a reverberating call for humane treatment and adherence to the TNVR method nationwide [8].
