Morocco, which will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup along with Spain and Portugal, has announced plans to cull up to three million stray dogs to boost its tourist appeal. This initiative has drawn criticism from animal welfare organizations and activists around the world.
The Daily mail reports that Moroccan authorities are using inhumane and potentially illegal methods to tackle the stray dog population. These include poisoning with the highly toxic strychnine, shooting dogs in public areas and allegedly beating surviving animals to death with shovels.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition has raised the alarm, warning that up to three million dogs could be killed as part of this campaign. Renowned primatologist and animal rights lawyer Jane Goodall has intervened, urging FIFA to take immediate action to stop the killings. In a letter to FIFA, Goodall condemned the brutal methods allegedly used and called for the tournament in Morocco to be suspended if the cull continues.
Although Morocco has legal protections that prohibit the culling of street dogs, reports suggest that authorities continue these actions, often without the involvement of local law enforcement. Animal welfare organizations that promote humane alternatives, such as trap-neuter vaccination (TNVR) release programs, face increasing obstacles. The violence has led to overcrowded shelters and depletion of resources as they struggle to control the influx of animals.
FIFA has not yet released an official statement on this matter. Still, sources indicate that the organization is closely monitoring the situation in Morocco and conducting on-site inspections of the proposed World Cup venues.
The international community remains committed and urges Moroccan authorities to adopt humane and sustainable approaches to managing the stray dog population, in line with global animal welfare standards.