Morocco faces backlash over plan to cull 3 million dogs ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup

Morocco, set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, has announced a controversial plan to cull up to three million stray dogs in an effort to boost its appeal as a tourist destination.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare organisations and activists worldwide.

Reports indicate that Moroccan authorities are employing harsh methods, including poisoning with strychnine, public shootings, and, in some cases, beating animals to death. These actions have raised serious ethical and legal concerns. The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition estimates that the campaign could result in the deaths of millions of stray dogs.

Renowned animal rights advocate Jane Goodall has condemned the initiative, calling on FIFA to intervene. In an open letter, Goodall urged the organisation to halt Morocco's preparations for the World Cup unless the culling is stopped. She also criticised the use of brutal methods and called for humane alternatives.

Although Morocco has laws in place prohibiting the culling of stray dogs, reports suggest that such practices persist with little enforcement. Efforts by animal welfare organisations to implement trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programs have been hampered by limited resources and growing numbers of displaced animals, leaving shelters overwhelmed.

FIFA has yet to issue an official response, though it is reportedly monitoring the situation closely while conducting inspections of proposed tournament venues in Morocco.