Morocco is facing international outrage over allegations that it plans to kill three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Animal welfare groups claim the government intends to exterminate 99 per cent of homeless canines in an effort to 'beautify' host cities and make them more appealing to tourists and the media.
According to the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC), dogs are being shot, poisoned, starved, and left to die in cages. A report published last month described Marrakech, a host city, as a 'kill centre', where canines are transported in white vans and processed in facilities with meat hooks and washable flooring. Witnesses in other cities alleged that dogs were burned alive at rubbish depots.
The IAWPC has submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs of poisonings and shootings. In a statement, the coalition said: 'After the World Cup confirmation, the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically.' FIFA responded by saying that during its bid, Morocco emphasised its commitment to animal welfare, and that it is following up with local counterparts to ensure commitments are upheld.
Morocco's Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull and pointing to a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release programme launched in 2019. However, documents obtained by The Athletic reportedly show local authorities ordered 1,000 rounds of ammunition in September 2025 to deal with stray dogs.
PETA spokesman Catie Cryar said Morocco has not hidden the fact that dogs are being killed, and urged FIFA to stop the slaughter by funding a spay/neuter programme. Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo also backed the campaign, writing on X: 'Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it's a moral failure.'
