Although the upcoming World Cup is set for next year, with international teams competing across three North American countries, Morocco is already gearing up for the event planned five years from now.
Part of these preparations reportedly involves the removal of stray dogs, a process which animal rights groups allege is being conducted as a ‘cull’.
Earlier reports to FIFA from Morocco indicated that the culling had ended in August 2024, according to Pets Mag. However, conservationist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall has collaborated with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) to oppose these actions, as the killings are said to be still occurring.
Dr. Goodall expressed her concerns in an open letter to FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, stating: “I was absolutely appalled to see that Moroccan authorities are engaging in large-scale killings of street dogs to make World Cup venues more ‘presentable’ to foreign visitors. Football fans, many of whom are animal lovers, will undoubtedly react with calls to boycott the country and pressure sponsors like Qatar Airways to withdraw.”
Dr. Goodall cautioned FIFA that these actions could harm its image, saying: “If you fail to act, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”
She has urged FIFA to suspend Morocco’s hosting rights until the alleged culling ceases, while Les Ward, president of the IAWPC, pressed the organization to ‘urgently intervene’.
“Mandatory conditions must be placed on Morocco to protect street and owned dogs, and a humane management program introduced. Failure to act should result in Morocco losing its co-host status,” Ward stated.
The IAWPC has also paid homage to the animals it claims have died due to these actions.
In an Instagram post, the coalition stated: “Today we honor the Moroccan dogs who suffered and died as a result of brutal killings.
“Please join us in celebrating their lives and mourning their tragic deaths. Bring a real or electric candle to light in honor of the dogs who died. Share their names and stories during the ceremony. We are so sorry for your loss as we grieve with our global community of animal rights activists.”