Morocco is gearing up to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, but concerns are mounting over reports that the country may resort to mass culling of stray dogs to present a cleaner image. According to animal rights organizations, as many as three million stray dogs could be shot or poisoned, echoing similar measures taken by Russia before the 2018 World Cup.
Government officials insist that no culling has taken place since late 2024, but animal welfare groups claim that dog killings have increased following FIFA’s announcement. These allegations are fueling global outrage, with activists calling for immediate intervention.
A Repeat of past World Cup Controversies?
Similar concerns arose before previous World Cups. In 2018, Russia faced backlash after thousands of stray dogs were reportedly killed in host cities. Now, Morocco is under the same scrutiny, with animal rights groups urging the country to adopt humane alternatives instead of extermination.
Authorities argue that stray dogs pose a public safety risk to the influx of international visitors, prompting local officials to take drastic measures. However, critics argue that the failure to enforce previous sterilization campaigns is at the root of the problem.
Is Sterilization Being Ignored?
Efforts to control Morocco’s stray dog population have been in place since 2019, when the country signed a convention promoting sterilization and vaccination. However, the program has struggled to make a significant impact. That sterilization efforts have been underfunded and inconsistently applied, leaving the number of strays largely unchanged, as relayed by 20 Minutes.
Instead of reinforcing long-term solutions, activists fear that authorities will opt for a rapid culling strategy to ensure that tourists and football fans do not encounter large numbers of stray dogs in major cities. This has sparked renewed calls for widespread trap-neuter-release programs as a more ethical alternative.
Jane Goodall and Global Activists Demand Fifa Action
International outrage is growing. Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has publicly condemned the reported plans as “a horrific act of cruelty.” She has urged FIFA to take action by pressuring Morocco and even reconsidering its hosting rights if mass culling is confirmed.
Animal rights groups argue that FIFA, as the governing body of the tournament, has the responsibility to ensure that host countries comply with ethical animal welfare standards. If Morocco fails to respond, activists warn that the World Cup could become a flashpoint for protests and global backlash.
Could This Impact Morocco’s World Cup Preparations?
With five years remaining until the 2030 World Cup, Morocco still has time to rethink its approach to stray dog management. However, if mass culling reports continue, the country could face serious reputational damage, drawing criticism from international animal welfare groups and potentially affecting its tourism industry.
The question remains: Will Morocco embrace humane solutions and align with global standards of animal welfare, or will it risk turning the World Cup into a public relations disaster? With mounting pressure from activists, the world is watching closely.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
