Shocking images and reports of dogs being killed in Morocco have drawn global scrutiny of a campaign linked to the country’s 2030 World Cup preparations.
The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities.
Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets.
Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.
A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a ‘kill center’, where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.
Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.
Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a ‘clean up’ effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup
Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events
The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.
‘After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,’ IAWPC said in a statement.
‘As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.’
A FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
‘With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,’ the FIFA spokesperson continued.
FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco’s draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco’s Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country’s commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: ‘It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.’
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Images from the North African nation show men collecting dogs and putting them inside cages
Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings
However, documents obtained by The Athletic reportedly show local authorities ordered 1,000 rounds of ammunition in September 2025 to deal with stray dogs.
In its evaluation report for Morocco’s World Cup bid, FIFA cited the country’s commitment to animal welfare.
PETA spokesman Catie Cryar told the Daily Mail: ‘Morocco hasn’t attempted to hide the fact that dogs are being poisoned, shot, and burned alive to “clean up” for the 2030 World Cup, as this report details, so no investigation has been necessary.
‘PETA entities worldwide have been protesting FIFA events, and tens of thousands of PETA members and supporters have sent urgent appeals calling on FIFA to withdraw Morocco’s right to co-host the tournament unless it stops the dog slaughter.
‘FIFA needs to stop dogs from being gunned down in its name, and it can start by funding a spay/neuter program to help solve the homeless-animal crisis on Morocco’s streets.’
Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings in an X post that reads: ‘Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it’s a moral failure.
‘The World Cup should unite the world, not be built on suffering that happens behind closed doors. Humane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.’
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets
Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves
The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls ‘Morocco’s ugly secret’, detailing horrifying methods used to kill stray dogs.
They claim dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed through bait.
Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets around the clock, shooting the animals and often leaving them wounded to die in agony.
Other dogs are said to be trapped with clamping devices, thrown into trucks, and transported to facilities where they are inhumanely killed.
The coalition alleges that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, the killings have dramatically increased, despite Moroccan authorities claiming in August 2024 that the initiative had been halted.
The psychological well-being and moral development of children witnessing the reported dog slaughter in Morocco have also become a growing focus for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
In September 2023, the committee issued General Comment 26, in support of Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stating: ‘Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals.’
