Outrage as Morocco moves to execute three million dogs in brutal 'street clean up'
The International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) has called on FIFA and the Moroccan Government to end the "relentless, cruel and ineffective killing of dogs", dubbing it "Morocco's ugly secret".
Morocco may execute three million dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup in a "brutal street clean up", according to an animal rights group.
The International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) have called on FIFA and Moroccan Government to end the "relentless, cruel and ineffective killing of dogs", dubbing it "Morocco's ugly secret".
IAWPC claims stray dogs are already killed by Moroccan authorities, and fears it will be ramped up ahead of the tournament which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Deborah Wilson, speaking on behalf of IAWPC, emphasized, “Not only is the ongoing slaughter of the dogs happening, but it's exacerbating as we're moving closer to the final vote on the 2030 bid.”
Morocco assured that dog killing has ended in FIFA’s World Cup Bid Evaluation Report, which also states that resources will be allocated to expand clinics and support programmes for stray dogs.
However the IAWPC claims dogs are killed in inhumane ways, such as shooting, poisoning through syringes or food, or catching dogs with "tong-like" metal implements before transporting them to facilities to be killed.
Jane Goodall, an animal rights advocate, called on FIFA Secretary general, Mattias Grafström, to bring the killing to an "immediate end".
She said: “I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them.
"If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.
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"I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so."
A spokesperson for the Moroccan Embassy said: “Morocco upholds high standards on animal welfare and the country is committed to ethical and humane solutions in managing its population of stray dogs. In 2019, the Kingdom launched a program based on the internationally recognised ‘Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release’ method to ensure a sustainable and compassionate approach, balancing animal welfare and public health.
"With annual support from the Ministry of the Interior, local authorities are building and equipping animal clinics, deploying veterinary professionals and enhancing municipal hygiene systems. It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
