Global campaign launched to boycott World Cup in Morocco over ‘dog massacre’ with millions killed
Morocco is facing mounting criticism over allegations that the country intends to exterminate approximately three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Animal welfare organisations have gathered photographic evidence and documentation suggesting that mass killings are already underway in the North African nation.
Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo has spoken out against the reported cull, describing it as a profound ethical failing.
“Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it’s a moral failure,” Ruffalo wrote on X.
Animal welfare organisations have gathered photographic evidence and documentation suggesting that mass killings are already underway
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“Humane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.”
The actor added that the World Cup should bring people together rather than being “built on suffering that happens behind closed doors.”
The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition has documented what it describes as brutal and systematic extermination methods being employed across Morocco.
According to the IAWPC, dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, either injected directly or hidden in food, while armed patrols roam streets shooting animals with rifles and pistols.
“The dogs are left to bleed out, often thrashing around and screaming in agony,” the organisation stated in a petition. “Their bodies are often left to rot where they fall.”
Morocco are set to co-host the World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal
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The coalition claims animals are captured using “medieval clamping devices” before being transported to facilities where they are incinerated or dumped in mass graves, sometimes while still alive.
Before Morocco’s World Cup hosting was confirmed in 2023, the IAWPC estimates 300,000 dogs were killed annually. The group warns this figure has risen dramatically since the announcement.
Les Ward MBE, chairman of the IAWPC, accused Moroccan authorities of making false claims about ending the killings.
“These killings are taking place every single day, in full view of children, tourists, and local communities,” Ward stated. “It is relentless, merciless and utterly inhumane.”
The Moroccan embassy in London has firmly rejected the allegations, maintaining that no cull is taking place and pointing to the country’s commitment to humane animal management practices.
A spokesperson stated last year: “It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”
Officials have highlighted a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release programme established in 2019, alongside investments in veterinary clinics and municipal hygiene infrastructure.
Morocco have been accused of shooting dogs in the street | PA
FIFA confirmed it is collaborating with the IAWPC to submit animal welfare recommendations to Moroccan authorities, adding that it is working to ensure hosting commitments are honoured.
Calls to boycott the 2030 tournament are gaining momentum across American social media platforms, despite the United States not being among the host nations.
In Defense of Animals, a US advocacy group, reported that between 60 and 70 dogs are being killed every other day in cities including Marrakech and Agadir.
Graphic images of wounded and dying animals have spread widely online, prompting many Americans to pledge they will refuse to watch the competition.
Morocco officials have reportedly shot ‘thousands of dogs’ to ‘clean up the streets’ ahead of the 2030 World Cup | PA
Commentator Laura Loomer branded the allegations “animal abuse” and urged dog lovers to boycott FIFA entirely.
“The fact that FIFA is allowing Morocco to host the World Cup when Morocco is murdering three million dogs should be disqualifying,” Loomer wrote.
