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Mass killing of street dogs in Morocco: A crisis FIFA can no longer ignore

Network for Animals is deeply concerned about the widespread, brutal slaughter of street dogs in Morocco. Despite public commitments to humane animal control, local authorities continue to carry out mass killings in an effort to “cleanse” the streets ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is set to co-host. These actions are in direct contradiction to promises made both by the Moroccan government and FIFA.

Following international pressure in 2024—including petitions, evidence submissions, and advocacy by groups like ours—FIFA issued a public statement acknowledging Morocco’s commitment to animal welfare. They confirmed that dog culling had been banned as of August 2024 and that humane shelters and solutions would be developed. However, nearly a year later, there is no evidence that these promises are being upheld. In fact, the killings appear to have escalated.

Eyewitnesses report dogs being bludgeoned, shot, poisoned, or captured and dumped in overcrowded shelters with no food or care. Protesters face intimidation and abuse from officials, and children continue to witness appalling violence in their own communities. Meanwhile, Morocco’s claim that millions of dirhams have been allocated for humane dog population control remains unsubstantiated.

We know that this approach is not only inhumane—it is ineffective. Killing street dogs does not reduce their numbers in the long term. In contrast, ethical solutions like Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) have been proven to work and are endorsed by international experts. These programs stabilize and reduce dog populations over time, while allowing animals to live out their lives in peace and health as part of the communities they belong to.

FIFA must take responsibility. As the governing body of one of the world’s most influential sporting events, FIFA has both the power and the moral obligation to ensure that host nations adhere to basic standards of animal welfare and human rights. No child should be exposed to the trauma of watching dogs being violently killed. No government should get a free pass for such cruelty—especially when it directly contradicts the commitments they made to gain international prestige.

Network for Animals is taking action:

  • We are working as part of the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) to pressure FIFA into holding Morocco accountable.

  • We support rescue groups on the ground in Morocco, helping dogs in imminent danger find safety and sanctuary.

  • We are raising awareness in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, ensuring that fans, clubs, and sponsors are made aware of the suffering unfolding in Morocco.

  • We continue to challenge misinformation and promote the use of humane, science-backed methods like TNVR to manage dog populations ethically.

  • We are actively lobbying Moroccan authorities to implement and enforce humane animal welfare laws, including a complete ban on the killing of street dogs.

But we can’t do it alone.

How you can help:

  • Share this article to raise awareness.

  • Write directly to FIFA at [email protected], demanding that they hold Morocco accountable and enforce humane animal welfare standards.

  • Support our work by donating to help us save more dogs from this ongoing tragedy.

  • Encourage others to join the movement to stop the killing and protect animals from senseless violence.

The world is watching. It’s time for FIFA—and Morocco—to act.

How would you like to help?

By supporting our work, you are reaching out with caring hands to stop animal abuse. Thank you for supporting us, and for supporting animals.

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