New Delhi: Morocco is under fire after reports surfaced about plans to kill three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Activists claim thousands have already been brutally killed, with accusations of poisoning, shooting, and other inhumane methods. Jane Goodall, a renowned animal rights advocate, has criticised FIFA’s silence, urging the organisation to intervene.
In her letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Goodall expressed shock over detailed reports documenting the killings. She warned FIFA could face global backlash and damage to its reputation if it ignores this issue.
Morocco’s Plan to Kill 3 Million Street Dogs Before FIFA World Cup Raises Alarms
⚡️In a shocking move, Morocco is planning to kill 3 million street dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup as part of a controversial ‘clean-up’ effort.
⚡️Thousands of stray dogs have already been… pic.twitter.com/GzS5pu1ozB
— Sneha Mordani (@snehamordani) January 16, 2025
Goodall argued that many football fans, who are also animal lovers, would not tolerate such cruelty. She called for FIFA to press Morocco to adopt humane population control methods, suggesting the tournament’s hosting rights could be suspended if the killings continue. Activists now demand urgent action to halt what they call an “act of barbarity.”
Activists demand humane alternatives
Morocco’s alleged dog culling sparks global outrage as World Cup nears. (Image via REUTERS/Hollie Adams)
Animal rights groups have condemned Morocco’s alleged methods of controlling stray dogs, describing them as cruel and unnecessary. Poisoning with strychnine, shootings, and brutal trapping methods are reportedly widespread, despite claims from Moroccan authorities that the campaign ended in August 2024.
The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose these actions, warning FIFA’s reputation is at risk. Activists suggest working with global organisations to implement humane population control programs, which would avoid unnecessary suffering. Goodall echoed this sentiment, stating, “There is no excuse for cruelty in football’s name.”
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the pressure on FIFA to intervene is mounting. Campaigners insist that hosting rights should not come at the cost of animal welfare.
Animal rights activists accuse Morocco of killing stray dogs using inhumane methods ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, urging FIFA to intervene and halt the alleged brutality. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
