An International Coalition of various animal rights NGOs made a serious accusation of dog slaughter in Morocco. They claim that this is due to the country wanting to “prepare” for hosting the 2030 World Cup and not wanting an excessive number of these animals on the streets.
The International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) expressed deep concern about the “growing humanitarian and animal crisis” in Morocco.
There, as they denounce, a mass extermination of stray dogs is taking place within the framework of the country’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030.
Denunciation of dog slaughter in Morocco: what is happening in the country
Despite FIFA’s promises to respect human rights and international standards, organizations have reported numerous cases of poisoning, hunting, and killing of dogs.
Denouncing the slaughter of stray dogs.
Even before FIFA’s announcement in October 2023, Moroccan authorities were already “brutally” killing around 300,000 stray dogs per year, according to IAWPC.
However, after it became public that Morocco would be one of the hosts of the sports competition, they claim that this massacre increased “dramatically.”
Furthermore, if completed, the organization estimates a figure of three million animals exterminated.
IAWPC detailed that some of the methods used by the Moroccan government are “inhumane and barbaric.” They mention shooting with rifles and guns, poisoning, or capturing with tools similar to tongs to then drag them brutally into vehicles with other dogs.
Many of the captured animals are taken to facilities known as “false dispensaries.” There, according to reports, they are incinerated or thrown into mass graves, some of them still alive.
IAWPC’s demands
Another aggravating factor is that people protesting receive threats and intimidation from the authorities themselves.
IAWPC appealed to the other two host countries, Spain and Portugal, the official World Cup sponsor (Qatar Airways), and FIFA itself to stop the slaughter and also protect children from this violence.
They report numerous cases of traumatized minors witnessing these events. The organization asserts that Morocco is “clearly violating” the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which they have ratified.
In addition to denouncing these events with a statement and a video with extremely harsh images, IAPWC launched a signature collection to demand an end to the dog slaughter.
FIFA’s promise
The FIFA Human Rights Committee committed on January 25, 2024, to include the European Link Coalition (ELC) to conduct a review of Morocco’s bid.
The cruel images spread.
This happened after the ELC provided evidence demonstrating the “brutal persecution” and extermination of dogs by Morocco. However, so far, the Maghreb country still remains listed as a co-host, although FIFA’s ratification will take place on December 11.
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