FIFA: Spanish group decry Morocco’s killing of stray dogs
Spanish group PACMA campaign against Morocco and FIFA authorities for the killing of stray dogs for the 2030 FIFA World Cup
The Spanish animal-rights party PACMA has launched an international campaign titled “Red Card for the Dog Massacre in Morocco”, calling for action against Morocco’s killing of stray dogs, according to Yabilaadi via Europe Press Agency on 30th October.
The campaign is targeted at several key stakeholders involved in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, including FIFA, the Spanish government, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and the Moroccan Embassy in Madrid, as Spain, Morocco, and Portugal co-host the World Cup.
PACMA reported that they received sensitive footage of stray dogs being killed in Morocco, especially in Tangiers city; which prompted them to carry out an investigation and verify facts on the ground in early September. They alleged that Tangiers municipal officials denied the authenticity of the videos shown, and claimed that they were awaiting the approval of a national law regarding animal welfare.
Similar allegations were made prior to the 2030 World Cup bid, where Morocco was accused of killing about three million dogs in preparation for the World Cup. The International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) had reportedly monitored the situation and given details on “inhuman methods” of killing stray dogs, which they claimed were carried out in broad daylight by those working for government officials.
The campaign calls for humane stray animal management in Morocco through methods like tagging stray dogs with a yellow tag if they are vaccinated, sterilised, de-wormed, or certified as non-dangerous.
PACMA has also created an online platform to mobilise public opinion against the actions, where citizens can sign a petition to the Spanish government and send direct messages to the Moroccan Embassy and FIFA.
Stray dogs have often been a target for international tournaments, as previously, Russia had been accused of killing them for the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Morocco has been in the spotlight since the 2030 World Cup bid was announced, when the Moroccan youth protested the government’s misplaced priorities and public funds for the World Cup, instead of public welfare.
As Morocco was accused of stray dog killing way before the bid was confirmed, Morocco had reassured FIFA that the slaughter methods were not used anymore; however, animal welfare groups had always doubted otherwise.
Yabilaadi, Europe Press Agency, Maghrebi.org
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