End the Massacre of Morocco's Dogs
Dogs are being killed en masse as Morocco prepares for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Join us in demanding an end to this cruelty.
Stand with Network for Animals to help protect Morocco’s street dogs.
Morocco is facing growing international condemnation over reports of widespread killings and disappearances of street dogs as authorities “clean up” cities ahead of activities connected to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Disturbing reports from communities and animal welfare advocates describe dogs being shot, poisoned and beaten in public view or forcibly removed from neighborhoods and disappearing into overcrowded and inhumane municipal facilities. Not only are these killings appallingly cruel and ineffective as a dog population management strategy, but they are also exposing children to traumatic acts of violence against animals.
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. These animals are part of Morocco’s communities, and they deserve compassion over cruelty.
Please sign this petition to urge Morocco to stop the killing of street dogs, protect children from violence and implement humane alternatives.
View our open letter to His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco here.
Morocco’s street dog killings are cruel, inhumane and ineffective.
Reports from across Morocco suggest street dogs are continuing to disappear or be killed as part of a nationwide “clean-up campaign” in the run-up to the country’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Animal welfare organizations have repeatedly warned that culling dogs does not provide an effective, long-term solution. Scientific evidence and international best practice show that mass killing programs fail to control diseases or sustainably reduce homeless animal populations. These killings are thus ethically unacceptable and deeply scientifically flawed.
The animals are not the only victims.
With much of the killing happening in public, children are also witness to horrific acts of 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. Evidence shows this kind of trauma can lead to long-term psychological problems. .
Humane alternatives exist.
In 2019, Morocco announced its adoption of a national trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) strategy to manage homeless dog populations. TNVR programs are internationally recognized as effective long-term strategies that reduce animal suffering while improving public health and community safety.
Yet, despite repeated government claims that humane TNVR programs are being adopted, frequent reports from citizens and animal welfare advocates show that dogs, including sterilized and vaccinated community animals, continue to be killed. A new draft animal welfare law has also stalled.
Promises are not enough. Commitments must now become action.
We call upon His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the Moroccan authorities to take immediate action to:
- Stop the killing of street dogs
- Implement comprehensive animal welfare laws grounded in humane treatment and compassion
- 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
Morocco has an opportunity to demonstrate compassion on the global stage. Cruelty cannot and should not be part of Morocco’s future.
Please sign the petition to show Morocco that the world is watching, and that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.
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