Thursday, February 26, 2026

Three Million Dogs to be Killed by Firing Squad Ahead of World Cup; Outrage as 3 Million Dogs to be 'massacred' by Firing Squad Ahead of the World Cup

ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images
Three Million Dogs to be Killed by Firing Squad Ahead of World Cup
Animal rights groups have expressed outrage over Morocco’s alleged killing of millions of stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to a recent report.
Organizations such as the International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) and PETA have criticized Moroccan officials for culling the population of roughly three million stray dogs, according to the Daily Mail.
The animal rights organizations have reportedly “released images and testimony” claiming that Moroccan officials are resorting to “using harsh methods” such as “clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies,” according to the outlet.
In a “91-page dossier to FIFA” from the IAWPC, there were “photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs.” The organization has claimed that after Morocco was confirmed to be one of the countries hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the killing of stray dogs “has increased dramatically.”
“After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,” IAWPC stated, adding that “the fear is that Morocco will” proceed to kill millions of dogs, according to the outlet. --->READ MORE HERE
IAWPC
Outrage as three MILLION dogs to be 'massacred' by firing squad ahead of the World Cup:
Shocking images and reports of dogs being killed in Morocco have drawn global scrutiny of a campaign linked to the country's 2030 World Cup preparations.
The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities.
Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.
An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco's streets.
Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.
A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a 'kill center', where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.
Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.
The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.
'After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,' IAWPC said in a statement.
'As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.'
A FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
'With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,' the FIFA spokesperson continued.
FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco's draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco's Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country's commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: 'It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.' --->READ MORE HERE
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