Morocco, 2030 World Cup Host, Criticised for Culling Stray Dogs Instead of Tagging Them

TANGIERS, Aug 7 — Animal rights organisations have accused Morocco of killing stray dogs in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an allegation the government denies, asserting its commitment to humane treatment.

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Activists claim Moroccan authorities are indiscriminately removing strays from the streets ahead of the international tournament, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

In response, officials insist they support a humane approach known as TNVR — trap, neuter, vaccinate, and release — aimed at managing the stray population while reducing public health risks.

Earlier this month, Morocco also introduced a new bill aimed at protecting stray animals. The legislation, which is pending parliamentary approval, proposes penalties of up to US$1,500 in fines or three months’ imprisonment for harming stray dogs.

Despite these assurances, allegations of culling persist. Social media footage shows dogs being shot or poisoned with strychnine — a toxic substance commonly used in pest control. Some of the dogs shown in the videos bear ear tags, indicating they had already been sterilised and vaccinated.

Mohammed, a Tangiers resident who withheld his surname for safety reasons, said he witnessed a familiar neighbourhood dog — identifiable by its ear tag — being poisoned. “I heard her cry before I saw her die,” he said.

Mounting Outcry

A petition launched by the International Animal Coalition calling for an end to the killings has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures. In June, an activist disrupted a FIFA Club World Cup match holding a sign that read: “Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats.”

France’s Brigitte Bardot Foundation has also urged FIFA to reconsider Morocco’s role as World Cup host in light of the alleged mistreatment.

Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has dismissed the criticism as "media attacks" based on “inaccurate and misrepresented information.”

Animal advocates estimate there are roughly three million stray dogs in Morocco, although no official figures exist. Government data shows about 100,000 dog bites are reported annually, with 33 rabies-related deaths recorded in 2024 — often due to unvaccinated animals.

“Local authorities still view stray dogs as giving off a negative image,” said Salima Kadaoui, founder of the Hayat Project in Tangiers, which promotes TNVR and rabies prevention.

Prmoting Alternatives

Kadaoui praised the government’s progress in supporting animal welfare and expressed her willingness to collaborate further. Since its founding in 2016, the Hayat Project — meaning “life” in Arabic — has sterilised and vaccinated over 4,600 dogs in Tangiers.

She emphasised the importance of keeping TNVR-tagged dogs in their original locations. “They act like rabies police — protecting the area and keeping infected animals away.”

The Moroccan government has invested more than US$24 million to build clinics for mass TNVR implementation, according to Mohammed Roudani, director of hygiene and green spaces at the interior ministry.

One such clinic, located in Al Arjat near Rabat, has treated over 500 dogs this year alone. Nearly half have been returned to their original locations, said veterinarian Youssef Lhor.

At the clinic, a young female dog tagged “636” is recovering from sterilisation and will soon be released. “People often ask, ‘Why are you bringing the dogs back?’” Lhor noted, underscoring the importance of public education.

To aid awareness, authorities have developed a mobile app that explains the TNVR programme and allows citizens to report stray dog sightings.

Kadaoui stressed the need to debunk harmful myths — such as the belief that spitting on a dog bite can heal it — and promote safe interactions with strays. — AFP