A leading conservationist has condemned Morocco and urged FIFA to take action over the killing of three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Campaigners claim the animals could be killed in a brutal “cleansing” operation to make cities more presentable for visiting football fans.
Reports suggest thousands of stray dogs have already been slaughtered in locations across the North African nation, and there are fears the killings are increasing.
Jane Goodall, a prominent animal rights campaigner, has written to the international football association demanding immediate action, accusing the organization of turning a blind eye to what she calls “a horrific act of barbarism”.
In the letter addressed to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was shocked to see that Moroccan authorities were engaging in large-scale killings, an initiative that reportedly stopped in August 2024.
“I am equally dismayed to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that they have been presented with detailed files documenting these horrific acts, most of which are carried out in the most brutal and cruel manner imaginable, and without However, they seem to have ignored them.” she continued.
The animal rights activist then questioned how football fans around the world would react if they knew the brutality defenseless animals faced in the run-up to matches.
“Surely you must know how football fans around the world, many of whom are also animal lovers, will react when they hear about this,” he wrote.
Jane Goodall, a prominent animal rights campaigner, wrote to FIFA demanding immediate action, accusing the organization of turning a blind eye to what she calls “a horrific act of barbarism.”
Reports suggest thousands of stray dogs have already been slaughtered in locations across the North African country, and there are fears the killings are increasing.
In the image: sacrificed dogs piled up in a truck amid the mass killings.
A stray dog wrapped in a warm blanket after being rescued from the streets
Pictured: Stray dogs brought to a mini-sanctuary in Morocco
“Furthermore, this will put FIFA itself back in the spotlight. I know that it has been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following the recent scandals. However, if it does not act, FIFA will be known for its complicity in a horrible act of barbarism… under his supervision.
‘I strongly urge you to ensure that the killings stop, including by informing Morocco that the organization of the tournament will be suspended until it does so.
‘There are many humane alternatives to controlling stray dog populations, and several reputable international organizations are willing to assist Moroccan authorities in implementing such programs.
“There is simply no excuse for the terrible campaign of cruelty being carried out in the name of football. I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to put an immediate end to it and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public. all over the world for doing it.
MailOnline has contacted FIFA for comment.
The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls “Morocco’s ugly secret”, detailing the horrific methods used to kill stray dogs.
They claim the dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed bait.
Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets 24 hours a day, shooting at the animals and often leaving them wounded to die in agony.
Other dogs are said to be caught in restraint devices, thrown into trucks and transported to facilities where they are inhumanely killed.
The coalition alleges that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, murders have increased dramatically, despite Moroccan authorities stating in August 2024 that the initiative had stopped.
FIFA has yet to respond to the allegations, but critics warn the organization could face a public relations disaster if they are ignored.
“FIFA has worked hard to restore its reputation after previous scandals, but failure to act would undo any progress made,” Goodall’s letter added.
In the face of mounting pressure and outrage, activists are calling for immediate intervention to stop the killing and protect Morocco’s stray dogs from further harm.