Download your FREE action pack by following this link HERE
International Coalition of respected animal welfare groups condemns new Moroccan Draft Law 19.25 (Concerning the Protection of Stray Animals and the Prevention of Their Dangers) that “criminalises compassion” and includes facilitating mass dog killings.
An unprecedented global “Day of Action” will take place on 20 August 2025, to protest against Morocco’s ongoing mass killing of free roaming dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup and to condemn Draft Law 19.25, which campaigners say is nothing more than a “killing charter”.
The International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) is coordinating the global mobilisation, following the Moroccan Government’s recent publication of Draft Law 19.25, which not only fails to outlaw the horrific killing of stray dogs but introduces punitive measures that target those who try to help animals.
Under the proposed new law, still requiring parliamentary approval, which covers all species of stray animals, not just dogs, citizens face fines and imprisonment for feeding them and shelters and rescue groups could be punished for providing basic care, food, and medical treatment.
IAWPC Chair Les Ward MBE said:
“Whilst presented as a protective measure, as drafted, this law contains significant ambiguities and provisions that will harm – rather than safeguard all species of free roaming animals. This proposed law is a legalised death sentence for street dogs. It criminalises kindness, punishes compassion and protects cruelty. Morocco has chosen violence over humanity. We’re urging the world to speak up on August 20th.
“We’re calling for this Draft Law – which seems to be a hastily drafted cruelty and killing charter, in response to national and international public protests against the expected mass killing of some 3-million dogs before the FIFA 2030 World Cup, to be either amended or scrapped altogether.”
National and international outrage has also focused on the fact, that many of the dog killings have taken place in front of children, tourists and residents, using shotguns, poison, and beatings. Shocking images and videos have circulated widely, promptingcondemnation from international organisations, personalities and other leading figures.
Despite this, Draft Law 19.25 will only make things worse for animals in Morocco and the people who want to help them.
The following Articles are cited as some ‘troubling’ examples:
Article 5, which outright prohibits any person from sheltering, feeding, or caring for a stray animal in a public space, even in an emergency. This is reinforced by Article 44, which makes such acts punishable by one to three months’ imprisonment and fines ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 dirhams. Such measures effectively criminalize compassion and will deter citizens and NGOs from helping injured, sick, or starving animals. This is at odds with the pillars of Islam in this primarily Muslim country, and goes against the hospitality and generosity of Moroccan people, who regularly care for the community animals close to where they live.
Article 51 grants broad powers to local authorities to “put an end to the danger of stray animals” if deemed a threat to public order and security, without defining humane methods or requiring independent oversight.
This could be used to justify killing under vague and subjective grounds. While Article 13 refers to “scientific and innovative methods to limit reproduction, there is no binding mandate for TNVR (Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return) or community animal management programmes. Instead, the law focuses on capturing and housing animals in “care centres,” which risks overcrowding, poor welfare conditions and eventual death (euthanasia).
Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, a long-time animal rights campaigner and supporter of the IAWPC, said:
“This is nothing short of state-sanctioned slaughter. I’ve seen the horrific images coming out of Morocco, and they will haunt me forever. Kind-hearted people are being punished for trying to save lives, while innocent animals are being brutally killed to appease a global sporting event. We must take a stand.”
Peter Egan joins a growing list of well-known supporters including Dr Jane Goodall, Chris Packham, Gary Numan, and Lorraine Kelly, all of whom have condemned the killings and called on Morocco to adopt humane alternatives such as Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) also known as (TNVR).
The Day of Action on 20 August will comprise a range of actions which include peaceful protests, the feeding of animals by Moroccan people, online campaigns and direct appeals to FIFA, which has so far remained publicly silent, despite widespread concern from football fans and animal lovers across the world.
