Disturbing images and accounts of dogs being killed in Morocco have sparked worldwide concern over a campaign suspected to be linked to the country’s preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
In 2023, Morocco was announced as a co-host for the World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. This decision has reportedly been accompanied by a significant culling of stray dogs in Moroccan cities, as claimed by animal rights organizations.
Activists argue that this alleged initiative is intended to make urban areas and tourist destinations appear cleaner, safer, and more attractive to international visitors, fans, and media, aiming to avoid negative associations with stray animals.
Morocco is home to an estimated three million stray dogs roaming its streets.
Animal welfare groups have shared evidence and testimonies accusing Moroccan authorities of employing brutal tactics, such as capturing dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks, and then either poisoning or shooting them before burying them in mass graves.
A recent report described Marrakech, a city anticipated to host World Cup matches, as a ‘kill center.’ It detailed how dogs were transported in white vans to warehouse-like facilities equipped with meat hooks and easy-to-clean flooring for processing.
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.
The Daily Mail has contacted FIFA for comment.
‘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.’
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 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.’
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.
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Images from the North African nation show men collecting dots and putting them inside cages
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets
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.’
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.
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 grave
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 have 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.’
