Update [28 February 2025]: Following the publication of this article, the Moroccan Embassy in London issued a statement refuting the claims that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
World-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE (pictured), has condemned Morocco’s killing of three million street dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, calling on FIFA to take immediate action.
Dr. Goodall has joined the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition’s (IAWPC) campaign, penning a powerful open letter to FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafström. She expressed outrage over Morocco’s continued culling of street dogs despite claims to FIFA that the killings ceased in August 2024.
“I was absolutely appalled to see that Moroccan authorities are engaging in large-scale killings of street dogs to make World Cup venues more ‘presentable’ to foreign visitors,” Dr. Goodall wrote. “Football fans, many of whom are animal lovers, will undoubtedly react with calls to boycott the country and pressure sponsors like Qatar Airways to withdraw.”
She further warned that FIFA’s reputation would be at stake:
“If you fail to act, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”
Dr. Goodall urged FIFA to suspend Morocco’s hosting rights until the killings stop and called for humane alternatives to street dog population management, with support from reputable international organisations.
Moroccan Embassy Denies Allegations
Following the publication of this article, the Moroccan Embassy in London issued a statement refuting the claims that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
A spokesperson for the embassy said:
“Morocco upholds high standards on animal welfare and the country is committed to ethical and humane solutions in managing its population of stray dogs.
“In 2019, the Kingdom launched a program based on the internationally recognised ‘Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release’ method to ensure a sustainable and compassionate approach, balancing animal welfare and public health.
“With annual support from the Ministry of the Interior, local authorities are building and equipping animal clinics, deploying veterinary professionals and enhancing municipal hygiene systems.
“It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”
The embassy reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to humane animal welfare policies and emphasised its use of internationally recognised practices.
IAWPC Campaign Gains Momentum
Les Ward, president of the IAWPC, emphasised the coalition’s determination:
“We will continue to call on FIFA to urgently intervene. Mandatory conditions must be placed on Morocco to protect street and owned dogs, and a humane management programme introduced. Failure to act should result in Morocco losing its co-host status.”
The IAWPC has launched a widespread letter-writing campaign, sending evidence dossiers to top FIFA officials, Morocco’s King, and even UK royals Prince William and King Charles.
Stars Join the Fight
Animal-loving celebrities and experts have added their voices to the campaign, including vet Marc Abraham, conservationist Chris Packham, Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, and music legend Gary Numan.
Marc Abraham, head of the Government’s All Party Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), described the killings as “torture.”
“This isn’t humane euthanasia. These dogs are being subjected to horrific methods, including being injected with strychnine. FIFA must take responsibility for the role football is playing in this.
“Much of the killing happens in public, even in front of children. What kind of world are we living in where such cruelty is deemed acceptable in the name of sport? FIFA, it is in your gift to stop this. Act now.”
Call to Action
The IAWPC, alongside global supporters, continues to demand urgent intervention from FIFA to end the killings and ensure Morocco adopts humane dog management practices. The world is watching, and FIFA’s next move could determine the future of animal welfare under its watch.