Morocco to Kill 3 Million Dogs ahead FIFA 2030

Morocco is under fire for reportedly planning to kill three million stray dogs in what’s considered a questionable attempt to “clean up” the country’s cities ahead of 2030’s FIFA World Cup. The plan has drawn fierce criticism from animal rights groups around the world. They said that the country already killed thousands of stray dogs using cruel methods.

Jane Goodall Takes FIFA to Task

A celebrated conservationist and animal rights activist, Jane Goodall wrote a letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstro, condemning the organization for its lack of effective action. She cited detailed reports from the International Animal Coalition, which documented the killings as “horrific acts of barbarity.”

Furthermore, Goodall questioned how FIFA could allow such actions to sully its reputation. She emphasized that many of FIFA’s fans are animal lovers, making the issue even more significant. She pointed out the potential backlash from football fans, emphasizing the damage to FIFA’s credibility. “If you fail to act, FIFA will be complicit in this cruelty, and it will occur on your watch,” Goodall warned.

Goodall called for humane alternatives to manage street dog populations. She asked Morocco to work with international organizations that are known for ethical population management. “There is simply no excuse for this campaign of cruelty, especially in football’s name,” she said.

Allegations of Cruel Killing Methods

The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to reveal what it describes as “Morocco’s ugly secret.” The organization alleges that authorities have been poisoning dogs with strychnine, shooting them, and trapping them with clamping devices before killing them in facilities.

In August 2024, Moroccan officials suspended the initiative. However, activists state that killings have increased only after the FIFA announcement to host the tournament co-hosted with Morocco.

Calls for Imminent Action

Animal rights campaigners are calling for immediate intervention to halt the alleged slaughter. They argue FIFA must address the issue and pressure Morocco to adopt humane practices. Goodall has urged FIFA to suspend Morocco’s hosting privileges if the killings continue. She warned that ignoring the issue could lead to a significant PR disaster for the organization.

Sachin S. Bangera from PETA address the issue and states, “Charity organisations across Morocco have demonstrated what compassion looks like, tirelessly treating, neutering, and vaccinating thousands of animals.” “These groups are the true heroes, showing that a humane approach is possible. PETA Asia is urging Morocco to adopt sterilisation and humane euthanasia as the only acceptable strategies to address the homeless-animal crisis” he added.

Activists, however, feel that the FIFA allows such brutal cruelty and the spirit of gamesmanship and ethics it claims to support. “FIFA must take responsibility and ensure that no city takes the World Cup as an excuse for animal cruelty,” they averred.