Three million dogs could be killed in Morocco ahead of FIFA World Cup

Campaigners claim that the animals could be killed in a brutal 'clean-up' operation to make cities more presentable.

Reports from the North African nation suggest that thousands of stray dogs have already been massacred and abused, with fears the killings are escalating in the lead up to the international football tournament.

The 24th edition of the competition is set to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and it is believed the mass animal slayings are part of a brutal 'clean-up' operation to make cities more presentable to visiting football fans.

The IAWPC are leading a campaign to stop the horrific violence, and claim that up to 3 million dogs could be killed by 2030 if nothing is done to stop it.

On their website, they also claim that these individuals are acting on behalf of the Moroccan Government and refer to a 2022 ruling in which a judge convicted and fined the Governor of the Nador Province of killing stray dogs as part of a campaign the municipality carried out.

They estimate that over 300,000 street and owned dogs lose their lives every year, often in front of a witnessing public, including children. 

Shooting dogs has become common practice, while others have been seen feeding stray dogs poisoned bait by hand, leading to considerable pain, suffering and a lingering death for the animal.

3 million dogs in Morocco are at risk of being killed ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The massacre has already started.

Take action today to stop this mindless slaughter. Sign the petition now: https://t.co/g0Uw24Qcgn#stopkillingdogsinmorocco #FIFAWorldCup #YallaVamos2030 pic.twitter.com/mws4A7f7fe

— iawpc (@iawpcoalition) October 17, 2024

Another method used is the catching of dogs with ‘tong-like’ metal implements - which grab parts of the body and have a painful and debilitating effect - before being brutally dragged along the streets without any care and thrown into vehicles with other terrified dogs, where they are then taken to facilities to be inhumanely killed.

Prominent animal rights activist and zoologist Jane Goodall has joined forces with the IAWPC and has penned a letter to FIFA demanding they take immediate action to stop the horrific abuse.

In a letter addressed to FIFA's Secretary General Mattias Grafström, the 90-year-old accused the organisation of turning a blind eye to what she calls 'a horrific act of barbarity'. 

"I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC - International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them."

She continued: "You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?

"Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again," Goodall added. "I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA's reputation following recent scandals. If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.

"I strongly urge you to ensure that the killings are stopped, including by informing Morocco that its hosting of the tournament shall be suspended until it does so.

'"here are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.

"There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football's name. I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so."

FIFA has yet to respond to the allegations, but critics warn the organisation could face a PR disaster if the claims are ignored. 

The IAWPC's petition has collected 8,879 signatures so far, and need just 3,921 more to reach their goal of 12,800.