As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the authorities in Morocco are killing up to 3 million dogs.
FIFA’s World Cup Bid Evaluation Report records Morocco’s assurance that ‘animal culling has been prohibited since August 2024’. This is a lie, and a breach of contract. FIFA know this, the killing continues, and FIFA are not holding Morocco accountable.
Dogs who are loved and cared for by local people, including children, are among those caught up in the killings. The danger extends to people too, with children being shot by dog shooters. In April 2026, A six-year-old child had his eye shot out.
Imagine your own dog being dragged away, terrified, and killed. Imagine a child watching the dog they love being shot in the street. What if your child had their eye shot out. This cruel and indiscriminate killing is causing the spread of rabies. This is a public health crisis. Killing does not control rabies. It makes it worse.
The IAWPC, a coalition of 84 respected animal welfare organisations worldwide, has been sent evidence by Moroccan citizens of dogs being shot, poisoned, brutally captured and held in appalling conditions. We are campaigning to end these killings, which we link to efforts to clear the streets ahead of the tournament.
As a footballer, your voice carries huge power and influence on this matter. You can help make sure these dogs, and the people who care about them, are heard. You can stand up for all those traumatised people who witness this violence and live with the scars of what they have seen.
What we are asking for and what we would like you to do
An immediate end to the killing and inhumane treatment of free-roaming dogs.
A properly funded, nationwide Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return programme, delivered with animal welfare experts. This is the only scientific and evidence based program to reduce the dog population and create herd immunity.
An end to authority-run kill shelters, with food, clean water, veterinary treatment and humane care for every dog held in a pound.
FIFA to uphold the animal protection commitments recorded in Morocco’s World Cup bid and to bring an end to the killing.
Raise this with your teammates, your club, your national team your football association and FIFA, specifically, Gianni Infantino.
Share a social media post, record a short video or speak publicly. Your support could bring this issue to millions of people and help turn concern into action.
Sign and share the petition
Our Action Network petition calls on FIFA’s Secretary General to demand that Morocco stops killing dogs ahead of the World Cup. Please add your name and encourage others within football to do the same:
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/the-international-animal-coalition-is-calling-on-fifa-to-demand-morocco-stop-killing-dogs-for-the-world-cup
Read the evidence
Find out more about the killings and the campaign in the IAWPC’s report:
https://iawpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IAWPC-Morocco-Campaign-e-report-V6.pdf
Suggested social media post
“I stand with the IAWPC and its Save Morocco’s Dogs campaign. Dogs are being shot, poisoned and cruelly captured as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup. These include dogs loved by local people and children.
“FIFA’s bid report records an assurance that ‘animal culling has been prohibited since August 2024’. The IAWPC’s evidence shows the killings continue. FIFA must act.
“I call on FIFA and the Moroccan authorities to stop the killings and introduce a properly funded, nationwide Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return programme.
“No dog should suffer for football. Please sign the petition, share this message and join me in speaking up.
https://www.iawpc.org/
@fifaworldcup @iawpc
#SaveMoroccosDogs”
Send an email
Ask FIFA to demand an end to the killings and uphold the animal protection commitments recorded in Morocco’s bid:
sgoffice@fifa.org
Ask the Moroccan authorities to stop the killings and work with animal welfare experts on humane solutions:
mroudani@interieur.gov.ma
To offer your support or request campaign information, contact the IAWPC:
campaigns@iawpc.org
