We are profoundly disappointed 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 in a brutal campaign to “clean up” 3 million strays by openly poisoning them on the streets, gunning them down in neighborhoods, or capturing them to kill later.

FIFA has blindly accepted Morocco’s false claim that the slaughter ended in August 2024 and that resources are being allocated for humane programs. Yet extensive evidence from our partners at the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) proves these assertions are false, with brutal government-sanctioned killings not only continuing but escalating as Morocco secured hosting rights.

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, “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.

Not only are the killings abhorrent on their own, but 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.

Morocco’s assurances of halting dog killings are demonstrably false, underscoring the urgent need for FIFA to enforce humane population management practices. 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 of animal abuse. FIFA must face the truth: this is not animal welfare — it’s a humanitarian and ethical crisis.

In Defense of Animals supporters and other advocates have repeatedly presented FIFA with video and photo evidence of poisoned puppies, dogs dying in agony, and children witnessing beloved animals being killed.

We also explained to officials how 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 royal decree for humane homeless animal management made in 2019 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 and our partners at IAWPC 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. We will press FIFA to enforce Morocco’s commitments and ensure they are more than hollow promises. 

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

We thank the over 13,000 In Defense of Animals supporters who have urged FIFA, the Moroccan government, and international representatives, to end the atrocities and implement safeguards to prevent continued animal and child abuse linked to World Cup bids. 

If you haven’t yet called, made comments on social media, or sent in letters, please take action now at www.idausa.org/fifa.