Morocco Accused of Mass Street-Dog Culling Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Overview

• The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition alleges a systematic campaign that could endanger more than three million street dogs before the tournament cohosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
• The group says it has gathered images and documents pointing to executions in several cities, citing methods such as strychnine poisoning and gunfire.
• An investigation reported by The Athletic described a possible slaughter facility on the outskirts of Marrakech.
• Morocco’s embassy in London called the allegations totally false and pointed to capture–sterilize–vaccinate–release programs initiated in 2019 as the government’s policy.
• FIFA said it is in contact with Moroccan authorities and the IAWPC, while activists have mobilized online with boycott calls and public condemnations, including from actor Mark Ruffalo.