The north African country that has won a co-hosting rights with Spain and Portugal to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup will slaughter around three million stray dogs in its move to spice up the nation’s tourism.
Criticism From International Organizations on Dog Culling
Justifications behind the culling include improvement in public spaces with the view that this will mean a safer atmosphere for tourists as well as people visiting during the World Cup. They say these stray dogs mainly found in cities cause a health nuisance. Most of the real reasons behind this culling were for population management, especially now that there was to be increased numbers of people attending the event.
Inhumane Methods Used
The Moroccan authorities, in dealing with stray dogs, used brutal methods according to reports. These methods included the toxic poison strychnine and the shooting of stray dogs in public places, along with the use of shovels to beat the dogs to death. According to animal rights activists, these acts are very inhumane and cruel.
International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition has voiced alarm over the reports and said that up to three million dogs would be killed during the course of the campaign. The violence inflicted on these animals has sparked outrage not only in Morocco but across the globe.
Global Outrage and Calls for Action
Other prominent personalities, such as renowned primatologist and animal rights activist Jane Goodall, criticized the killing program. In an urgent letter to FIFA, Goodall appealed to the football world governing body to come forward and take action to stop the killings, further calling for the suspension of the World Cup in Morocco if the killings were to continue due to reports on the brutal methods they are supposed to use.
There has not been an official statement from FIFA on the case, but close sources have reported that the organization is closely monitoring the situation. Sources have indicated that FIFA is holding inspections of proposed World Cup venues in Morocco for the assessment.
Legal Protections and Challenges
Although Morocco is said to be protected by a legal framework banning the culling of street dogs, it remains ineffective in protecting the animals. Reports indicate that the culling activities are carried out despite these laws, as local law enforcers watch with little to no intervention.
Several animal welfare organizations have been advocating for humane methods that can ease the stray dog problem, such as Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release. However, these organizations are encountering numerous challenges because of the continued violence and lack of support from local governments.
Impact on Shelters and Resources
This has resulted in overpopulation, leading to filled animal shelters with too many animals that the shelter cannot cope with. Shelters have been overextended with all resources depleted since they try to cater for many dogs.
The International Community Responds
Animal welfare organizations and activists around the globe are appealing to Morocco to change the way they handle stray dogs to be more humane, with sustainable methods of managing stray dogs. There is a growing outcry for Morocco to bring their actions in line with international animal welfare standards so that the stray dog population can also be dealt with in a humane manner.
The international community continues to put pressure on the Moroccan authorities to end the inhumane culling methods and focus on ethical solutions to the stray dog issue as the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaches. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring and advocacy from animal welfare groups and concerned individuals.
