FIFA has confirmed that, in partnership with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), it has helped with the submission of a revised version of Morocco’s Draft Law 19.25 to the Moroccan government for consideration, a key step in efforts to stop the mass authority killing of free roaming dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Around 10,000 dogs a week are currently being slaughtered across Morocco, and research indicates that the killings intensify around sites designated to be prepared for the World Cup 2030 tournament, which Morocco shares with Spain and Portugal.
Draft Law 19.25, with the revised heading of, Concerning Humane Dog and Cat Care, Welfare and Management, sets out a framework for the humane management of dogs and cats in Morocco, including measures for responsible ownership, sterilisation, and the ethical control of free-roaming populations.
The previous original proposed version by the Government, which is currently progressing through Morocco’s parliament, has faced close scrutiny and widespread criticism, since it would ‘criminalise kindness’ and make it illegal to shelter or provide care to a free roaming dog in your home, or feed dogs and cats in the street.
FIFA confirmed its role in supporting the expert-led revision, saying: “After discussions between FIFA and the IAWPC, an expert panel to redraft Morocco’s Draft Law 19.25 was formed by the IAWPC.
The panel, which includes senior legal and animal welfare experts from across the globe, have now completed their work. FIFA helped the IAWPC by submitting the revised draft law directly to the Moroccan authorities.”
The IAWPC’s version of the legislation, drawn up by an international panel of experts from Europe, Africa, India and Thailand, places greater emphasis on recognising animals as sentient beings and ensuring that management practices are humane, science-based, and sustainable. It also proposes the inclusion of education and community engagement measures, as well as the need for clear accountability by local authorities.
Les Ward MBE, chairman of the IAWPC, said he commends revised Draft Law to the Moroccan authorities and hopes that they will recognise what has been presented to them: “Provides a genuine opportunity for Morocco to lead the region in animal welfare reform. Our expert panel has provided a humane and practical legal framework that protects both animals and people and at the same time, a law for which the Government and the Moroccan people can be proud”.
“We sincerely hope the Moroccan government will embrace these revisions and set an example for the world as it prepares to host the World Cup.”
The IAWPC is a coalition of over 80 animal welfare organisations from across the world including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Peta. It was formed to tackle the mass killing of street and community dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup and major international events. The aims of the campaign are clear, an immediate end to the inhumane mass killing of dogs and cats; the introduction of a comprehensive humane dog management programme.
The coalition has been instrumental in bringing global attention to the issue and in engaging policymakers, including through recent meetings at the UK Parliament with MPs and high-profile supporters such as the late Dr Jane Goodall DBE, Chris Packham, Dr Marc Abraham OBE and actors Peter Egan, Gary Numan, Lorraine Kelly and Ricky Gervais.
The submission of the revised Draft Law 19.25 marks a major milestone in the IAWPC’s campaign to replace mass culling with humane, science-led population management, vaccination, and sterilisation programmes, steps which, the coalition says, are vital for both public health and animal welfare.
