Thousands of dogs killed in Morocco in clean-up for World Cup
Animal welfare groups warn that thousands of dogs are being killed in World Cup venues across Morocco, according to the Mirror on October 16th. Campaigners say three million dogs are at risk in the country that is part of the only bid for the 2030 World Cup along with Spain and Portugal.
The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to highlight what it called “Morocco’s ugly secret.” They have said that dogs are being poisoned with strychnine which is either injected into their bodies directly or fed to them by hand through poisoned bait.
They also claimed that gunmen cruise around the clock armed with rifles and pistols, while the animals are often wounded and left to bleed out while thrashing and screaming in pain. Dogs are also trapped with clamping devices and taken to facilities to be killed, they say.
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The group warned that the killing has increased since FIFA made its announcement in 2023. There is now a fear that, if the FIFA Congress ratifies with the decision on December 11th, it will give the green light to Moroccan authorities to execute a plan to kill three million dogs.
Chair of the International Animal Coalition Les Ward said “for years, the Government of Morocco has shown no remorse for any of its actions, hoping that its ‘ugly secret’ remains hidden from international eyes. Dogs, street and owned that form part of the fabric of Morocco, are treated like garbage to be disposed of by any means.”
“Children that witness the killings are being traumatised. Calls and protests by growing numbers of Moroccan people are ignored and often met with harassment and intimidation. FIFA has been presented with the evidence about what is going on yet has refused to act. The killings have centred around proposed tournament venues and reach a peak before FIFA site visits.” Ward added “this is unacceptable and something many football fans will be furious to learn. FIFA must act now to stop the cruel dog killings in Morocco. Until this happens, Morocco should be suspended as a co-host.”
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Stray dogs have been targeted in preparation for previous tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Russia had to reverse a decision to kill 2,000 dogs in Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics, while a plan for a cull in Ukraine before Euro 2012 lead to outrage.
Mirror
