Dear Your Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco,
Network for Animals is a member of the International Animal Coalition (IAWPC), a global alliance campaigning to end the killing of Morocco’s street dogs. We, and the undersigned supporters, are deeply concerned by the ongoing mass killings and disappearances of street dogs across your country during preparations connected to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Reports from communities and animal welfare advocates describe deeply troubling scenes: dogs being shot and poisoned on-site in public areas or removed from neighborhoods and transported to overcrowded, unsuitable and inhumane facilities.
These verified reports have caused alarm both within Morocco and across the world.
There is also a human cost to this brutality. With much of the killing happening in public, children may be forced to witness horrific animal cruelty. This is a breach of Morocco’s obligations under the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 19), which states that children should not be exposed to violence against animals.
We recognize that managing homeless dog populations is a legitimate public responsibility, and communities deserve solutions that protect public health and safety.
However, indiscriminate killing is neither humane nor effective as a long-term strategy. More suitable alternatives do exist.
Network for Animals has supported trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) initiatives in countries around the world, including Morocco. We have seen firsthand how humane population management programs can reduce stray populations sustainably while protecting both communities and animals.
We call upon Your Majesty to ensure the Moroccan authorities take immediate action to:
- Stop the killing of street dogs
- Implement comprehensive animal welfare laws grounded in humane treatment and compassion, taking account of international expert guidance
- Introduce sustainable, long-term dog population management programs, including trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) initiatives
- Support local communities, veterinarians and shelters caring for vulnerable animals
- Ensure children are protected from exposure to violence against animals
As Morocco prepares to welcome international visitors in the years ahead, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership built on compassion, responsibility and humane values.
We respectfully urge Your Majesty to help ensure Morocco moves forward with solutions that reflect those principles.
For the animals,
Network for Animals