An Urgent Call to Stop Morocco’s Inhumane Stray Dog Cull

The recent announcement of Morocco’s plan to eliminate 3 million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup represents a devastating blow to animal welfare and humane urban management practices. This mass culling plan, which involves poisoning dogs with strychnine and other brutal methods, is not only cruel but also ineffective as a long-term solution.

Why This Approach is Wrong:

1. Scientifically Ineffective: Mass culling has been proven repeatedly to be an ineffective method for controlling stray dog populations. When dogs are removed from an area, surviving dogs breed more rapidly to fill the ecological void, leading to a swift return to original numbers.
2. Humane Alternatives Exist: Many countries have successfully implemented comprehensive TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, combined with vaccination and community education. These programs have shown lasting results in humanely reducing stray populations while improving public health.
3. Tourism Impact: Rather than enhancing Morocco’s image for the World Cup, such cruel practices could severely damage the country’s international reputation and actually deter tourists and football fans who are increasingly conscious of animal welfare.

Call for Action: Sign Petition

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/the-international-animal-coalition-is-calling-on-fifa-to-demand-morocco-stop-killing-dogs-for-the-world-cup

The 2030 World Cup should be an opportunity to showcase Morocco’s rich culture and hospitality, not mar it with an unnecessary tragedy. We urge FIFA and the Moroccan government to reconsider this decision and work with animal welfare experts to develop a humane and sustainable solution for managing the stray dog population.
A successful World Cup should never come at the cost of millions of innocent lives. There’s still time to change course and demonstrate that sports, tourism, and animal welfare can coexist harmoniously.