CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2024) — In Defense of Animals and the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) have expressed profound disappointment that FIFA has awarded the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal despite widespread protests over Morocco’s ongoing mass killing of street dogs and its devastating psychological impact on children. FIFA has accepted Morocco’s claim that the slaughter ended in August 2024 and that resources are being allocated for humane programs. Yet extensive evidence from IAWPC proves these assertions are false, with brutal government-sanctioned killings not only continuing but escalating as Morocco secured hosting rights.

WATCH (Graphic): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDYACZZISBi

In response to FIFA’s World Cup Bid Evaluation Report, which cites Morocco’s assurance of a dog killing prohibition, IAWPC presented damning evidence of the ongoing slaughter. 

Deborah Wilson, speaking on behalf of IAWPC, emphasized, “That would be amazing, if that were true; and it's not... Not only is the ongoing slaughter of the dogs happening, but it's exacerbating as we're moving closer to the final vote on the 2030 bid.”

FIFA’s report also states that Morocco is allocating resources to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs, while its Proposal for a Human Rights Strategy claims it will safeguard biodiversity and animal welfare. Yet IAWPC evidence documents the opposite — poisoned dogs writhing in agony, mass shootings, and animal bodies discarded in mass graves.

“Morocco’s assurances of halting dog killings are demonstrably false, underscoring the urgent need for FIFA to enforce humane population management practices,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director for In Defense of Animals. “The reality on the ground since the supposed August prohibition is a continued escalation of violence, with more dogs killed and communities traumatized. It is unacceptable for FIFA to take Morocco at its word while animal and children’s advocates present clear evidence that the opposite is happening. FIFA must face the truth: this is not animal welfare — it’s a humanitarian and ethical crisis.”

Morocco’s violent campaign to “clean up” its streets by poisoning, shooting, and clamping over 3 million animals has sparked a global outcry. Advocates have repeatedly presented FIFA with video and photo evidence of poisoned puppies, dogs dying in agony, and children witnessing beloved animals being killed.

WATCH (GRAPHIC): https://youtube.com/shorts/tQiOTELd_3I

Exposing children to such violence violates their fundamental rights, leading to long-term trauma and emotional scarring. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child highlights the severe psychological impact of witnessing violence, noting its contribution to cycles of societal aggression and trauma. Children in Morocco are left to confront horrifying scenes of cruelty, leaving lasting scars and perpetuating a cycle of violence.

This destructive campaign also fuels a public health crisis. By destabilizing vaccinated dog populations, Morocco’s actions have caused rabies outbreaks in previously cleared areas, directly undermining the country’s stated commitment to the World Health Organization’s "One Health One Welfare" program to eradicate rabies by 2030.

Morocco’s 2019 royal decree for humane homeless animal management has been grossly neglected. Fake Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) centers cage dogs to starve or cannibalize each other, while funds intended for humane programs are misused.

In Defense of Animals will continue to advocate for the protection of both humans and animals by:

• Pressuring FIFA to hold Morocco accountable for implementing humane population management programs like TNVR.
• Monitoring Morocco’s actions to ensure compliance with its claims and commitments.
• Supporting activists with emotional support and financial resources to provide emergency aid and TNVR programs.
• Demanding transparency and enforcement of animal welfare in all future FIFA bids.

The 2030 World Cup bid highlights a disturbing trend of prioritizing international prestige over ethical considerations. In Defense of Animals calls on FIFA to enforce Morocco’s commitments and ensure they are more than hollow promises. 

Dawes added, “Morocco’s illusion that it is aiding rather than killing dogs disolves through the actions of its own contract killers. In the face of compelling evidence, FIFA must hold them to make that illusion a reality.”

Over 13,000 In Defense of Animals supporters contacted FIFA, the Moroccan government, and international representatives urging them to end the atrocities and implement safeguards to prevent continued animal and child abuse linked to World Cup bids. Take action at www.idausa.org/fifa.

### NOTES ###

CONTACT: Fleur Dawes (415) 879-6879 media@idausa.org

IMAGES & VIDEO: https://bit.ly/MoroccoDogSlaughter

DOCUMENTS:

FIFA 2030 World Cup Bid Evaluation Report p.109

Finally, the bid has outlined its commitment to the protection of animal rights and has highlighted that since August 2024 the culling of animals is prohibited in the country, and governmental resources are being allocated to expand clinics and support programmes for stray dogs.

Proposal For A Human Rights Strategy FIFA World Cup 2030 p.14

(Morocco) Efforts will be exerted to safeguard biodiversity, including the welfare of animals.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi, since 1983. http://www.idausa.org/companions

### ENDS ###