Animal rights groups are raising the alarm over what they call a "brutal street clean-up" in Morocco. These groups claim that authorities are killing up to three million stray dogs to prepare the country for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This report follows the release of a 91-page document containing photos and videos of dogs being shot, poisoned, or left to starve. While officials say they want the cities to look "cleaner" for the millions of visitors expected in five years, the methods used have caused an international outcry. Famous leaders and world-renowned scientists are now calling for FIFA to take action. The situation remains tense as people wait to see if the Moroccan government will switch to more humane ways of managing the animals.
The Push for a "Clean" Image
In January 2025, reports from several international news agencies highlighted a sharp increase in the killing of stray animals in Morocco. This timeline matches the period after Morocco was confirmed as a host for the 2030 World Cup.
Read More: How Morocco's stray dog plan for the 2030 World Cup affects animal safety
The Main Accusation: The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) claims that "unmarked white vans" are patrolling streets to seize animals.
The Numbers: There are an estimated three million stray dogs in the country. Activists say the goal is to remove as many as possible before the tournament.
The Official Goal: Municipalities in Morocco, such as Ifrane, have been linked to these efforts. The goal is to make tourist areas look safer and more appealing to global media and fans.
"After the World Cup confirmation, the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically." — IAWPC Statement
Documented Evidence of Animal Culling
The IAWPC submitted a dossier to FIFA that includes visual proof of the reported killings. Investigators have looked at several types of evidence provided by these groups.
Photographic Evidence: Images show dogs being gathered in cages, poisoned animals in pain, and carcasses left in the street.
Methodology: Reports detail the use of "firing squads," where dogs are shot in public. Other reports mention burning animals alive or using poison.
Witness Accounts: Local residents reported feeling "helpless" as they watched vans take away dogs that had been living in their neighborhoods for years.
Core Insight: Evidence suggests a organized effort to remove strays, but there is a lack of official government data confirming the total number of deaths.
Diverging Perspectives on Animal Management
| Perspective | View on the Situation | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Rights Groups | Call the actions "illegal" and "barbaric" under current Moroccan law. | Use Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) programs. |
| Moroccan Authorities | Focus on public health and making cities "presentable" for the 2030 World Cup. | Rapid removal of strays from high-traffic tourist areas. |
| FIFA | States that Morocco committed to animal rights in its bid. | Following up with local partners to ensure promises are kept. |
The Legal Conflict
Morocco has laws that are supposed to protect street dogs from being killed. However, animal welfare groups say these laws are being ignored. Reports suggest that local police do not stop the cullings, even though the practices might be against the country's own legal rules.
The Feasibility of Alternatives
Groups like PETA and the IAWPC argue that killing dogs does not solve the problem long-term. They suggest the "TNVR" method. This involves catching the dogs, fixing them so they cannot have puppies, vaccinating them against diseases like rabies, and letting them go. Moroccan officials have faced challenges with this method due to the high cost and the large number of animals.
International Pressure on FIFA
High-profile figures are now involved in the debate. This has moved the issue from a local concern to a global political one. The question remains: Will FIFA use its power to stop the cullings?
Expert Analysis
Dr. Jane Goodall, a famous scientist and animal advocate, wrote directly to FIFA’s Secretary General. She stated she was "absolutely appalled" by the reports. She has asked FIFA to consider suspending Morocco’s rights to host the tournament if the killings do not stop.
Catie Cryar, a spokesperson for PETA, told the Daily Mail that the Moroccan government is not trying to hide what is happening. She believes the goal is clearly to "clean up" for 2030.
FIFA's Official Stance: In a statement to CNN, FIFA said it is "following up" with its local partners. They noted that Morocco’s bid included plans for better animal clinics and support programs. However, many activists say FIFA has "fallen silent" since that initial response.
Summary of Findings
The investigation shows a clear conflict between Morocco’s goals for the 2030 World Cup and international animal welfare standards. While the number of "three million" dogs comes from activist reports, the evidence of organized killing is supported by photos and witness accounts.
Current Status: Killings are reported to be continuing in several cities.
Implications: If the reports are true, Morocco could face a boycott or intense protests leading up to the World Cup.
Next Steps: International groups are waiting for a formal response from the Moroccan government and a more active role from FIFA to monitor the situation on the ground.
Primary Sources
CNN: Why is Morocco killing thousands of stray dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup? — Context: Detailed report on Jane Goodall’s letter and FIFA’s initial response.
Daily Mail: Outrage as 3 MILLION dogs to be 'massacred' ahead of the World Cup — Context: Original report on the 91-page dossier and IAWPC campaign.
Business Insider Africa: Morocco faces heavy criticism for plans to cull 3 million stray dogs — Context: Information on public outrage and activist demands.
India Today: 'Brutal street clean-up': Is Morocco killing 3 million dogs for FIFA World Cup? — Context: Description of "Morocco's Ugly Secret" campaign and specific killing methods.
The Woof: Animal Rights Groups Protest Morocco’s Plan — Context: Focus on the TNVR alternative and legal frameworks in Morocco.
NDTV: Morocco To Cull 3 Million Dogs Ahead Of 2030 FIFA World Cup — Context: Analysis of why the international community is concerned.
Free Press Journal: 3 Million Street Dogs Being Slaughtered In Morocco — Context: Global outrage and Dr. Goodall’s condemnation.