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OUTRAGE has engulfed Morocco after allegations that the country plans to cull thousands of stray animal ahead of 2030 Football World Cup.
Animal rights groups have raised the alarm and warned that up to three million dogs may face execution, as Morocco purportedly moves to clean its streets ahead of co-hosting this tournament with Spain & Portugal.
Although Moroccan authorities have flatly denied these claims, the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition, (IAWPC), insists on the fact that around 300,000 animals are killed by being poisoned, shot or in any other way every year, as part of the build-up to World Cup.
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“After the [World Cup confirmation]The IAWPC reported in a recent report that the number of dogs being killed has dramatically increased.
“As the result, we fear that Morocco may now proceed with their plan of mass killing three million dog.”
Dramatic images and video on the IAWPC’s social media channels show dozens of dogs crammed into trucks or forcibly restrained with chains, reportedly being transported to alleged ‘kill centres’ or dumped at local rubbish tips.
IAWPC also accuses FIFA, the World Cup organizer, of enabling an alleged massacre. It criticises the governing body for what it calls a failure to take action despite a damning report of 91 pages that allegedly contained photographic evidence of the murders.
FIFA responded that it had raised the issue with the Moroccan Football Federation, which confirmed that a new law was being drafted to ‘[meet] The needs of public safety, health and welfare.
In August, Morocco proposed a bill imposing prison sentences of between two and six months for anyone who ‘intentionally kills, tortures or injures a stray animal in any manner.’
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However, under provisions of the same law, those who ‘shelter, feed or treat’ stray animals could also face fines – or even prison time in cases of repeat offences.
In a post on X, Oscar-winning actor and animal rights campaigner Mark Ruffalo blasted Morocco’s alleged policy as a ‘moral failure.’
Ruffalo said, “Killing dogs in order to prepare for global sporting events is not progress. This is a moral failure.”
“Humane alternatives exist and choosing compassion instead of violence is our shared responsibility.”
An article published last month by It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Athletic compiled accounts from Marrakech residents describing one of the city’s alleged kill centres – a facility where captured dogs are held in cages for days before being executed.
Locals even report instances where dogs have been left starving for three days, before being burnt alive.
The article also quoted claims that another Moroccan city (which was not named) ordered 1,000 bullets for September 2025 in order to reduce the number of stray dogs.
Residents in the same city have expressed concern for their safety. They claim that bullets from animals shot on the street have hit homes near them.
Morocco officially confirmed its role as co-host of the 2030 World Cup in late 2023 when FIFA approved Morocco, Spain and Portugal’s joint bid.
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The decision marked an historic moment in bringing football’s premier event to multiple continents.
There will also be commemorative matches played in South America during the 2030 World Cup.
The games are set to take place at newly built venues and in various cities. They will unfold in summer 2030.
Morocco is preparing its venues for the World Cup, and the criticism about alleged animal abuses in the country comes at an important time.
Spain’s Consejo Superior de Deportes We have been contacted for a comment.
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