Morocco to cull three million dogs before FIFA World Cup to tidy up the streets

A leading conservationist has criticized Morocco and called on FIFA to address the killing of three million stray dogs in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.

Campaigners claim that the animals could be killed in a brutal ‘clean-up’ operation to make cities more presentable to visiting football fans.

There are reports indicating that thousands of street dogs have been slaughtered in various locations throughout the North African country, prompting concerns of an escalating situation.

Jane Goodall, a well-known advocate for animal rights, has penned a letter to the global football governing body, urging swift intervention and accusing the organization of disregarding what she describes as ‘a shocking display of cruelty’.

In the letter addressed to FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was left appalled to see that Moroccan authorities were engaging in the large-scale killings – an initiative which allegedly stopped in August 2024.

‘I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,’ she continued.

The animal rights activist then questioned how football fans around the world would react if they knew of the brutality the helpless animals were facing in the run up to the games.

‘You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?’ she wrote.

Jane Goodall, a prominent animal rights campaigner, has written to FIFA demanding immediate action, accusing the organisation of turning a blind eye to what she calls ‘a horrific act of barbarity’

Reports suggest thousands of stray dogs have already been massacred in venues across the North African nation, with fears the killings are escalating

Pictured: Slaughtered dogs piled up in a truck amid the mass killings 

A stray dog wrapped in warm blanket after being rescued off the streets

Pictured: Stray dogs brought to mini-sanctuary in Morocco  

‘Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again. I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following recent scandals. If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.

‘I strongly urge you to ensure that the killings are stopped, including by informing Morocco that its hosting of the tournament shall be suspended until it does so.

‘There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.

‘There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name. I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so.’

MailOnline has approached FIFA for comment. 

The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls ‘Morocco’s ugly secret,’ detailing horrifying methods used to kill stray dogs. 

They claim dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed through bait. 

Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets around the clock, shooting the animals and often leaving them wounded to die in agony. 

Other dogs are said to be trapped with clamping devices, thrown into trucks, and transported to facilities where they are inhumanely killed.

The coalition alleges that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, the killings have dramatically increased, despite Moroccan authorities claiming in August 2024 that the initiative had been halted.

FIFA has yet to respond to the allegations, but critics warn the organisation could face a PR disaster if the claims are ignored. 

‘FIFA has worked hard to restore its reputation after previous scandals, but failing to act on this would undo any progress made,’ Goodall’s letter added.

With pressure mounting and outrage growing, campaigners are calling for immediate intervention to stop the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs from further harm.