Activists accuse Moroccan authorities of systematically poisoning and leaving to die stray dogs, citing disturbing recent images from several cities. The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) claims the 'slaughter' took place on May 9, with dogs that were 'not strays in the traditional sense' killed.
WARNING-GRAPHIC CONTENTShocking images of lifeless dogs strewn across the streets have sparked global outrage as animal rights groups accuse Morocco of carrying out mass killings of strays ahead of the 2030 World Cup .
The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host of the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, but activists claim preparations for the global event have coincided with a brutal crackdown on the country's millions of stray dogs. Local rescuers alleged some animals have been systematically poisoned and left to die in broad daylight, with disturbing scenes emerging from several cities in recent weeks.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition told the Daily Mail that one recent 'slaughter' took place on May 9, when members of the Al-Huda Association for Biodiversity and Cat Care said dog catchers poisoned animals in the city of Salé - a hub for the upcoming soccer games. According to the group, many of the dogs were not strays in the traditional sense, but sterilized and vaccinated animals identified by official 'TNR' ear markings and backed by veterinary records.
TNR is short for Trap, Neuter and Return.
'What happened is a moral and legal crime against animals, indicating a serious lack of accountability,' the organization said, according to the IAWPC. Morocco has recently expanded programs aimed at sterilizing, vaccinating and releasing stray dogs to manage the country's large canine population.
However, campaigners claim the official strategy is being overshadowed by widespread killings taking place behind the scenes. Shocking images of lifeless dogs strewn across the streets have sparked global outrage Animal rights groups have accused Morocco of carrying out mass killings of strays ahead of the 2030 World Cup A FIFA spokesperson previously told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, citing government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
'With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,' the FIFA spokesperson continued. The Daily Mail has contacted FIFA regarding the latest claims. FIFA said it is working with IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco's draft regulations. Their recommendations have since been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco's Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country's commitment to humane and sustainable animal management. A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services and municipal hygiene systems, adding: 'It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
' However, IAWPC, which represents more than 80 organizations worldwide, said the incident in Salé appears to be the latest in what it described as a growing pattern of brutal crackdowns that contradict Morocco's public commitments to animal welfare. The animal welfare group alleged that the dead dogs appeared shortly after Moroccan authorities invited journalists to the El Aarjate facility near Rabat.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition told the Daily Mail that one recent 'slaughter' took place on May 9 Morocco has recently expanded programs aimed at sterilizing, vaccinating and releasing stray dogs to manage the country's large canine population IAWPC said the event was 'an apparent attempt to counter mounting international criticism over allegations that as many as three million dogs are being culled ahead of the World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal in 2030.
' Journalists who were part of the visit reported that a trap, neuter, vaccinate and release center in El Arajate featured spacious enclosures for dogs, which were 'orderly, with clean floors and the scent of disinfectant. ' 'Food and water bowls are refreshed regularly by staff who move between spaces, offering gentle words and careful handling,' AP reported. An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco's streets.
Pictures of wounded dogs have emerged online Images from the North African nation show men collecting dogs and putting them inside cages 'Some staff members say they grow so attached to the dogs that they miss them when they're released to make space to treat incoming strays.
' However, IAWPC claimed that the deaths in Salé 'expose a brutal reality playing out beyond the cameras. ' Les Ward MBE, chairman of the coalition, said the latest deaths demolished the carefully crafted image Morocco has attempted to present to the world. He said: 'These poor dogs had already been sterilised and vaccinated. They were tagged, documented and supposedly protected under the very system Morocco has been proudly presenting to the international community.
Activists argue the effort is intended to make urban areas and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer ahead of the 2030 tournament, as the country seeks to attract international visitors, fans and media attention 'What we are seeing in Salé is the complete unravelling of the narrative. The TNVR center was presented to the public as evidence of compassion and reform, yet in its own coverage area, dogs are allegedly being poisoned in the streets.
' The allegation of poisoned dogs comes as shocking photos revealed dogs being hauled off and wounded in the streets. In Defense of Animals, a US-based advocacy group, said: 'These wounded, terrified animals are hauled off to remote sites, where they are poisoned or shot and dumped in mass graves, many still alive.
'For months now, between 60 and 70 dogs have been disposed of every other day in cities like Marrakech and Agadir. ' Images showing dogs bleeding, butchered and dying from gunshot wounds in the streets have circulated widely on social media.
Morocco 2030 World Cup Stray Dogs Trap Neuter And Return International Animal Welfare And Protection Co FIFA
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