Morocco is culling stray dogs as it prepares for the 2030 World Cup, with some campaigners expressing concerns to authorities about the harshness of the methods used. Animal welfare groups are warning the Moroccan government regarding this issue.
It is reported that the number of dogs to be killed could reach three million. Morocco is one of three host candidates for the tournament, which will be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to prevent this situation. They claim that dogs are being slaughtered through injection or poisoned bait. Additionally, it is alleged that animals are also being killed or injured with firearms, hunted down with traps, and collected in trucks. Those captured are then brutally killed in facilities.
This group also claims that the brutality experienced has increased dramatically since FIFA nominated Morocco as a candidate. Campaigners are concerned that if Morocco is selected on December 11, 2024, the massacre will escalate even further.
Les Ward from the upper ranks of the International Animal Coalition made the following statements regarding the situation: “For years, the Government of Morocco has shown no remorse for any of its actions, hoping that its ‘ugly secret’ remains hidden from international eyes. Dogs, both stray and owned, that form part of the fabric of Morocco, are treated like garbage to be disposed of by any means.”
“Children that witness the killings are being traumatized. Calls and protests by growing numbers of Moroccan people are ignored and often met with harassment and intimidation. FIFA has been presented with the evidence about what is going on yet has refused to act. The killings have centered around proposed tournament venues and reach a peak before FIFA site visits. This is unacceptable and something many football fans will be furious to learn. FIFA must act now to stop the cruel dog killings in Morocco. Until this happens, Morocco should be suspended as a co-host.”
In 2018, similar complaints were raised in Russia. The Russian government stated that the reason for these incidents was not the World Cup but the increasing rabies outbreak.