Morocco Faces Pressure to Rescue Stray Dogs Amid World Cup

Stray Dog Controversy in Morocco Amid 2030 World Cup Preparation

As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, animal welfare organizations have raised concerns over the treatment of stray dogs within the country. These groups allege that authorities are carrying out mass culling operations, which they claim is a direct response to the upcoming global event. However, Moroccan officials strongly deny these accusations, emphasizing their commitment to protecting stray animals.

Animal rights advocates argue that the government has been targeting stray dogs indiscriminately, with reports of dogs being shot or poisoned using substances like strychnine. Online videos circulating on social media depict these disturbing incidents, showing dogs suffering before their deaths. Some of the dogs in these videos appear to have ear tags, suggesting they had previously undergone sterilization and vaccination under the TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) program.

Despite these allegations, Moroccan authorities maintain that they have implemented non-lethal methods to manage the stray dog population. The TNVR approach is seen as a way to reduce public health risks while controlling the number of stray animals on the streets. A new bill aimed at protecting street animals was recently passed by the government, though it is still pending approval by parliament. If enacted, the legislation would impose fines of up to $1,500 or jail terms of up to three months for anyone found harming stray dogs.

However, the controversy continues to grow. An online petition organized by the International Animal Coalition has collected nearly 75,000 signatures demanding an end to the "violent killing of dogs" in Morocco. In June, an activist even disrupted a FIFA Club World Cup match by running onto the pitch with a sign reading: "Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats." Additionally, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, established in 1986 by French actress Brigitte Bardot, has called on FIFA to prevent Morocco from hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has criticized what he calls "media attacks" filled with "wrong and out-of-context information." He insists that the government is working to protect animals and address public safety concerns.

Public Perception and Health Risks

Advocates estimate that Morocco is home to around three million stray dogs, although no official statistics exist. According to official data, approximately 100,000 stray dog bites occur annually, and in 2024, 33 people died from rabies, often linked to unvaccinated animals.

Salima Kadaoui, a 52-year-old activist who runs the Hayat project in Tangiers, believes that local officials still view stray dogs as a "bad image." Her initiative uses the TNVR method to control the stray population and eliminate rabies. Kadaoui has worked closely with authorities and emphasizes the importance of returning sterilized and vaccinated dogs to their original locations.

She compares the role of these dogs to "rabies police," noting that they help keep communities safe by driving away potentially rabid animals. Kadaoui also commends the government’s efforts, stating she is willing to collaborate further to expand the success of her project, which has treated over 4,600 dogs in Tangiers since 2016.

Government Efforts and Public Awareness

The Moroccan government has invested more than $24 million in establishing clinics capable of implementing the TNVR program on a large scale. One such clinic is already operational in Al Arjat, near the capital Rabat. Veterinarian Youssef Lhor, who works at the facility, said over 500 dogs have been treated this year, with nearly half being released back into the areas where they were captured.

A young female dog, tagged "636," is currently recovering after being sterilized and will soon be returned to her neighborhood. Lhor acknowledges the challenge of educating the public about the importance of the program, as some residents question why the dogs are being taken and then returned.

To address this, the government has developed a mobile app that explains the work of the clinics and allows users to report sightings of stray dogs. Kadaoui stresses the need for public education on proper behavior around stray animals and to dispel myths, such as the belief that spitting on a dog bite can heal the wound.

As the debate over the treatment of stray dogs continues, the spotlight remains on Morocco's efforts to balance public health, animal welfare, and its role as a host nation for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.