Morocco Faces Scrutiny Over Stray Dog Treatment Ahead of 2030 World Cup
As Morocco gears up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, animal welfare groups are raising alarms over the country’s treatment of stray dogs. Accusations of widespread culling have sparked public outcry, despite government claims that humane methods are being used to manage the canine population.
Millions of Strays, Mounting Pressure
Morocco is estimated to have around three million stray dogs, though no official count exists. With the global spotlight approaching, critics say authorities are attempting to “clean up” the streets by eliminating strays—some of which have already been sterilized and vaccinated.
Videos circulating online show dogs being poisoned or shot, including animals marked with ear tags indicating they’ve undergone TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return). One Tangiers resident recounted witnessing a familiar dog die after being poisoned, despite its tag.
TNVR vs. Culling: Conflicting Narratives
The Moroccan government insists it has adopted TNVR as its official strategy to reduce health risks and control the stray population. Officials say more than $24 million has been invested in clinics nationwide, with one facility near Rabat already treating over 500 dogs this year.
Veterinarian Youssef Lhor, who oversees the Al Arjat clinic, emphasized that treated dogs are returned to their original locations. “Sometimes people ask why we bring the dogs back,” he said, noting the need for greater public education.
Awareness and Legislation
To boost transparency, authorities have launched a mobile app that explains TNVR and allows users to report stray sightings. A new bill, still under parliamentary review, proposes fines up to $1,500 or jail time for harming stray animals.
Activist Salima Kadaoui, founder of the Hayat project in Tangiers, praised the government’s efforts but stressed the importance of protecting TNVR-tagged dogs. “They act like rabies police,” she said. “If a rabid dog appears, they chase it away and protect the community.”
Global Reaction
International backlash has grown. A petition by the International Animal Coalition calling for an end to the “violent killing of dogs” has gathered nearly 75,000 signatures. In June, an activist interrupted a FIFA Club World Cup match with a sign reading: “Morocco: stop shooting dogs and cats.”
France’s Brigitte Bardot Foundation has even urged FIFA to reconsider Morocco’s hosting rights for the 2030 tournament.
Public Health Concerns
According to official data, Morocco records around 100,000 stray dog bites annually. In 2024 alone, 33 people died from rabies—often transmitted by unvaccinated animals. Authorities say TNVR is key to reducing these risks, but public skepticism remains.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has condemned what he calls “media attacks” based on misinformation. Still, activists argue that local officials continue to view stray dogs as a “bad image” rather than a public health opportunity.
