Content Warning: Contains graphic descriptions and images of animal cruelty

Following Pets Magazine’s recent report on alleged mass culling of stray dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Moroccan Embassy in London issued a right of reply, categorically denying the claims.

However, leading international animal welfare groups, including the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), refute this statement and are calling on the Moroccan authorities to provide evidence supporting their assurances that humane stray management policies are in place.

The IAWPC and the Morocco Crisis

The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) is a group of global animal charities, including PETA, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, which come together and unite their voices when serious issues of international animal cruelty are brought to their attention. One such serious case is the deliberate violence and inhumanity being inflicted on dogs on a daily basis in Morocco.

The IAWPC has many hours of verified and time-stamped footage and images (some of which we pictured here) showing horrific public cruelty being inflicted on street and owned dogs in Moroccan cities, which is linked to a widespread ‘clean up’ to make the areas more presentable for the World Cup.

When FIFA announced that Morocco would be a 2030 co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, the Bid Evaluation Report stated that the killing of dogs had stopped in August 2024. However, the IAWPC can overwhelmingly prove that the killings continue.

The Coalition has launched a campaign to urge football teams, dog-loving players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and officials to speak up and condemn the abuse, but all to date have remained silent.

What the Moroccan Embassy Says

In its response, the Moroccan Embassy stated:

“Morocco upholds high standards on animal welfare and the country is committed to ethical and humane solutions in managing its population of stray dogs.”

The Embassy highlighted the introduction of a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) programme in 2019 as part of a compassionate and sustainable approach to stray dog management. It also cited ongoing investment in animal clinics, veterinary professionals, and municipal hygiene systems.

Crucially, the Embassy categorically denied that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating that such claims are “entirely untrue.”

Animal Welfare Organisations Seek Further Information

While welcoming Morocco’s now official stated commitment to humane practices, the IAWPC and other animal welfare groups argue that ongoing verified reports and timestamped photographic evidence paint a very different picture on the ground.

“We fully support any commitment to ethical and humane stray dog management, but this is definitely not currently what is happening in Morocco,” said Les Ward MBE, Chairman of IAWPC.

“We have gathered substantial evidence, including certified eyewitness testimony, many hours of film, and over a thousand photographs, clearly substantiating beyond all reasonable doubt that the brutal mass killing of dogs continues in various locations across Morocco. Photographic and video evidence has been submitted to the Moroccan Embassy for review.”

“Given the extensive evidence collected, we now call on the Moroccan Embassy and Government to transparently provide verifiable data on their TNVR programmes, including documented records of sterilised and released dogs, to substantiate their claims.”

The IAWPC has written directly to Ambassador Hakim Hajoui at the Moroccan Embassy, requesting further details, including:

• Documented proof of TNVR programmes currently operating, including locations and statistics on dogs treated and released.

• Clarification on the role of newly established animal clinics and assurances that they will not be used as euthanasia centres for street dogs.

• A response to allegations that culls have taken place in certain areas, including around FIFA-related inspections and visits.

Evidence Contradicts Official Claims?

Among the concerns raised by welfare groups is the 2023 case of the Arjat Shelter in Rabat, where emaciated dogs were left to starve despite state funding of 12 million MAD (£950,000) allocated for their care.

Reports from within Morocco suggest that in some areas, street dogs continue to be removed using methods including poisoning and shooting – practices condemned by international animal welfare standards.

A Moroccan judge in 2022 convicted and fined the Governor of the Nador Province for ordering the killing of stray dogs, describing the practice as “uncivilised” and “brutal”, while stressing the importance of humane treatment in line with Islamic principles.

FIFA and the World Cup Connection

FIFA has previously faced pressure to intervene in host nations where stray animals have been culled in preparation for major tournaments. In 2018, there was global backlash when authorities in Russia were accused of mass killing stray dogs ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Animal rights groups are calling on FIFA to take a proactive stance and ensure that host nations implement verifiable humane stray management solutions rather than resorting to culling.

Les Ward added:

“This act of mass violence towards these animals and citizens is not in keeping with the wishes of the Moroccan people. This is state-enacted violence which is being driven relentlessly and without mercy.”

The IAWPC remains committed to its offer of assisting the Moroccan authorities and FIFA to use its expertise to introduce a humane dog management programme, but first, the killing must stop, and the trauma inflicted on children and citizens must be brought to an end.

Football Stars and Global Outcry

Les Ward, chairman of the IAWPC, urged the football community to act:

“We hope and indeed would expect that the world of football will stand up and be counted on this issue. Why – because it is their Associations that will send their players that will take to the field in Morocco, supported by their fans that will have paid large amounts of their personal savings to travel and watch them and where prior to their arrival, some 3-million dogs will have been cruelly shot, poisoned, caught and killed? Unlike FIFA, the rest of the football world must not turn a blind eye to this nightmare, but instead make it clear to FIFA and Morocco – Not in my name!!”

“Stars such as Ronaldo, who are happy to post pictures on social media with dogs saying he’s a dog lover, could make a huge difference if they stood up and spoke up for the World Cup dogs of Morocco.”

This week, the SK Children Foundation, an NGO which lobbies for the rights of children around the world, condemned the violence, stating that it violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child due to the psychological harm inflicted on children witnessing extreme animal cruelty.

A statement by the organisation read:

“Morocco’s stray dog massacre has had a devastating impact on local communities, causing emotional distress, economic hardship, and social unrest. The brutal killing of stray dogs has a profound emotional impact on local communities. Many residents, particularly children, are traumatised by the sight of dead dogs on the streets. Animal lovers and caregivers are also deeply affected, having formed strong bonds with the dogs they care for.”

Day of the Morocco Dog – A Global Act of Solidarity

On Saturday 1 March, hundreds of people, including children, around the world came together for Day of the Morocco Dog, an act of solidarity for the animals, children and citizens in Morocco. Celebrities including electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, vet Marc Abrahams MBE and Dr Jane Goodall DBE are supporting the campaign.

Gary Numan said:

“Dogs are loyal and loving, and this is a human-made problem, which is being dealt with in a way which dishonours not only these beautiful animals, but the people of Morocco. To make matters worse, this is all in the name of football. Anyone who has ever thrown a ball for their own dog and anyone with a heart will understand how disgusting this is.”

The event raised funds for emergency veterinary treatment for the dogs being shot, wounded and poisoned by the authorities.

With growing international pressure, Pets Magazine will closely monitor Morocco’s response and report on further developments as they unfold.

To support the campaign and demand action, sign the petition here: https://support.soidog.org/content/thank-you-signing-letter.