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Morocco Plans Mass Culling of Stray Dogs Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
In preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco has come under fire for its controversial handling of stray dogs. Reports suggest that the country plans to cull up to 3 million street dogs to create a “visitor-friendly” environment, leading to widespread criticism from animal rights groups and the international community.
According to reports, Moroccan authorities have resorted to poisoning, shooting, and even beating stray dogs to death. The International Animal Coalition revealed that strychnine, a toxic pesticide, is being used to poison the animals. Some dogs are also being transported to slaughterhouses, where survivors face brutal conditions.
Dogs spared from immediate culling are often taken to overcrowded municipal shelters. These facilities, lacking resources and funding, subject animals to poor living conditions. Witnesses have reported instances of overcrowding, electrocution, and inadequate care.
Shelter workers are struggling to provide basic necessities like food and medical care, as the influx of rescued dogs overwhelms their limited resources.
FIFA, the governing body of world football, has yet to issue an official statement on Morocco’s actions. However, the organization has acknowledged that it is investigating the situation. FIFA officials have conducted site visits to assess conditions in the host cities.
Critics argue that Morocco’s actions are an attempt to impress FIFA by “cleaning up” the streets, but the methods have sparked outrage instead of approval.
Animal welfare organizations are urging Morocco to adopt humane solutions like trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programs. These programs aim to control the stray population without resorting to violence.
However, local authorities have shown little interest in these alternatives, and existing TNVR initiatives face significant challenges, including a lack of government support.
International animal rights groups and concerned individuals are rallying to support Morocco’s stray dogs. Donations are being collected to provide food, medical care, and shelter for the affected animals.
Advocates are also calling for stricter enforcement of Morocco’s animal welfare laws, which prohibit the culling of street dogs.
As the situation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The actions taken by the country will likely influence global perceptions of its commitment to humane treatment and ethical practices.
Animal rights groups are urging FIFA to take a stand and push for more humane solutions, highlighting the need for sustainable and compassionate approaches to managing stray populations.