Morocco: ban on feeding strays introduced ahead of world cup
Morocco has introduced a fine of up to 2,000 dirhams for anyone who feeds a stray animal in a public space, sparking a mass debate amongst animal advocates and associations, according to government-friendly Yabiladi on 27th of August.
Animal organisations warn that strict enforcement might deter volunteers and exacerbate the stray animal issue. While the law aims to protect animals, its potentially harsh interpretation has led animal welfare groups to advocate for alternative regulations instead of a complete ban.
This controversy concerns Law No. 19.25, which addresses the protection and care of stray animals as well as potential risk mitigation. It was enacted by Royal Decree No. 1.26.55 on July 28th, 2026, and the Official Gazette No. 7533 published it on August 10th, 2026.
Article 5 states that no “person may care for a stray animal by sheltering, feeding, or treating it, unless in compliance with this law and its implementing texts.”
Furthermore, Article 44 imposes fines between 500 and 2,000 dirhams on individuals who violate these rules by feeding, sheltering, or caring for stray animals in public spaces.
Speaking to Yabiliadi, Ahmed Tazi of the Moroccan Network of Animal Welfare and Sustainable Development Associations (RAPAD Morocco) noted that although the law includes positive elements for animal protection and penalises mistreatment, specific articles require revision, particularly those on feeding street animals.
He further stressed the importance of laws to safeguard street animals from abuse, recognising that penalising mistreatment has benefits. However, he suggested either eliminating penalties for feeding or clarifying how they should be applied, stating: “Forbidding the feeding of animals and penalising those who do so contradicts our culture, traditions, and religion. Witnessing an animal in need imposes a moral and humanitarian obligation to provide food.”
Tazi cautioned that fear of penalties could discourage volunteers from helping animals. It might also cause some pet owners to abandon their pets, which would raise the stray population and worsen the problem rather than solve it.
He further encouraged associations and volunteers to participate through agreements and partnerships, since many are already familiar with individual animals in their communities and regularly monitor, feed, and treat them.
The law allows municipalities, as stated in Article 16, to collaborate with civil society associations to support the functions of stray animal care centres, as long as these associations are legally compliant, aligned with the animal care goals, and have the appropriate resources and expertise.
Tazi also disclosed that the network had earlier proposed amendments prior to the law’s approval, recommending the removal of penalties for feeding animals but maintaining sanctions for killing, torturing, or mistreating them.
Morocco’s local and international animal welfare coalitions estimate that the country has roughly 3 million stray dogs, while cat populations remain high because of unspayed strays, a lack of government prioritisation, and a rapid birth rate.
Currently, Morocco faces international backlash as reports have emerged that authorities are culling up to three million stray dogs to “clean up” its streets before co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to the SPCA.
Moroccan authorities have denied the claims.
Yabiladi, SPCA, Morocco World News, Maghrebi.org
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