In preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, reports suggest that the Moroccan government is planning to eliminate 99% of the stray dog population in the country by resorting to lethal methods such as shooting, poisoning, and abandonment in cages. The goal is to enhance the appearance of host cities, making them more attractive and secure for international visitors, fans, and media.
Morocco currently has an estimated three million stray dogs roaming its streets. Animal welfare groups have raised concerns over the harsh tactics employed by Moroccan authorities, including seizing dogs by the neck, transporting them in trucks, and exterminating them through poisoning or shooting, followed by mass burials.
Recent findings labeled Marrakech, a designated World Cup venue, as a “kill center” where dogs are processed in warehouse facilities equipped with meat hooks and washable flooring. Witnesses from other host cities have reported instances of dogs being deprived of food for days before being incinerated alive at garbage sites.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) has accused Morocco of a recurring pattern of large-scale animal massacres ahead of major international events, attributing complicity to organizations like FIFA for enabling such practices. The IAWPC submitted evidence to FIFA, documenting instances of poisoning, starvation, and shooting of dogs.
Despite reassurances from FIFA highlighting Morocco’s commitment to animal welfare during the bidding process, concerns persist. Morocco’s Embassy in London has refuted the allegations, asserting that there are no plans for a mass culling of stray dogs and emphasizing the country’s dedication to humane animal management practices.
Contrary to official statements, leaked documents reveal that local authorities in Morocco procured 1,000 rounds of ammunition in 2025 to address the issue of stray dogs. FIFA’s assessment of Morocco’s bid acknowledged the country’s purported dedication to animal welfare.
Various groups, including PETA and the International Animal Coalition, have condemned the reported actions, detailing cruel methods used to eliminate stray dogs, such as poisoning with strychnine, shooting, and trapping. They claim that the killings have surged since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, despite Moroccan authorities allegedly halting the initiative in 2024.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has expressed concern about the impact of the reported dog extermination on children’s psychological well-being and moral development. In response, the committee emphasized the need to shield children from all forms of violence, including witnessing acts of cruelty towards animals.
