Morocco Under Fire Over Alleged Mass Stray Dog Killings Before FIFA World Cup 2030
Morocco is facing mounting international scrutiny after animal welfare organisations alleged a large scale cull of stray dogs as the country prepares to co host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
New Delhi, February 20: Morocco is facing mounting international scrutiny after animal welfare organisations alleged a large scale cull of stray dogs as the country prepares to co host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
A joint investigation led by the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition claims that hundreds of thousands of dogs are being killed annually. Campaigners warn that as many as three million animals could ultimately be targeted, describing the situation as a “mass slaughter”. Moroccan authorities have strongly denied the allegations. Morocco GenZ 212 Protest: Violent Clashes Erupt Across Multiple Cities As Demonstrators Set Cars, Banks and Police Vehicles on Fire Over Demands for Better Healthcare and Jobs (Watch Videos).
‘Kill Centres’ and Eyewitness Claims
A recent report described a facility on the outskirts of Marrakech where captured dogs are allegedly taken and processed away from public view. Witnesses cited in the investigation claimed animals were rounded up using nooses and metal clamps, transported in vans and placed in holding sites under harsh conditions.
The coalition says it compiled a 91 page dossier containing photographs, documents and testimony detailing methods such as shooting and poisoning. Activists claim the killings intensified after Morocco was confirmed in 2023 as a co host of the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. Morocco Building Collapse: 19 Dead, 16 Injured After 2 Buildings Collapse in Fes City (Watch Videos).
Oscar nominated actor Mark Ruffalo weighed in on the controversy, calling the alleged plan a “moral failure” and urging humane solutions.
Morocco Denies World Cup Linked Cull
Morocco’s embassy in London has “categorically” denied claims that a World Cup driven cull is underway, stating the country remains committed to humane and sustainable animal management.
In August, authorities proposed draft legislation introducing prison sentences and fines for anyone who “intentionally kills, tortures or injures” a stray animal. However, critics argue the bill also penalises individuals found “sheltering, feeding or treating” stray animals, which they say could criminalise compassion.
Animal welfare groups acknowledge Morocco faces genuine stray dog management and rabies concerns, but argue that mass culling is ineffective and creates a “vacuum effect” in which new, unvaccinated dogs quickly replace those removed.
FIFA Responds Amid Growing Pressure
Global football governing body FIFA said Morocco’s World Cup bid included commitments to animal protection and confirmed it is in dialogue with Moroccan authorities and campaigners.
Morocco is set to co host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, with additional opening matches planned in South America, making it the first tournament to span three continents.
As preparations accelerate, the controversy threatens to cast a shadow over what Morocco hopes will be a landmark sporting event, with activists urging transparency and humane animal welfare policies ahead of the global spectacle.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2026 07:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).