Marc the Vet Speaks out as Clock Ticks on Fate of Three Million Moroccan Street Dogs Ahead of FIFA 2030 World Cup Bid

The clock is ticking for 3million stray dogs who are set to be killed in the name of sport to support Morocco’s 2030 World Cup bid. 

Concerns have been raised over human and animal rights as FIFA prepares to award the bid to Spain, Portugal and Morocco on December 11. 

Campaigners from the International Animal Welfare Coalition are urging FIFA to put stipulations into their acceptance of the bid, which categorically rejects the inhumane methods currently being used to kill stray dogs in the country. 

Amnesty International has also voiced fears of the country’s record on human rights, citing instances of excessive use of police force against crowds in all three countries, the improper use of rubber bullets, as well as restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly and the persistence of racist, sexist and homophobic abuse within football.

 Extramarital and same-sex relations are also both criminalised in Morocco.

Animal campaigner and vet Marc Abraham, OBE, who supports the International Animal Welfare Coalition’s campaign against the Morocco Dog slaughter, said: “This is not dogs being put to sleep in a humane way, this is dogs being tortured, beaten and subjected to horrific killing methods including being injected with strychnine. 

“No vet would ever sanction or support population control measures like this, it is downright cruel and FIFA needs to take responsibility for the role that football is playing in this. 

“It is also important to note that much of this killing is taking place in full view of the public including children, what kind of a world are we living in where this kind of treatment of animals and children is deemed acceptable, in the name of sport? 

“Like my fellow campaigners, I am calling for FIFA to put stipulations in place on Morocco before they are granted the bid on December 11. FIFA it is in your gift to stop this torture, and the halm that it causes to the human population too. Act now.” 
2030 World Cup human rights risks

Morocco, Portugal and Spain have proposed to host games in 20 stadiums across 17 cities – in addition to three games in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Plans include a new 115,000-seater stadium outside of Casablanca in Morocco and new transport links.

To prepare for the games, and for recent African Cup of Nations matches, the Moroccan government has been rounding up dogs, who are beaten, shot and poisoned in public, which the coalition describes as a ‘risk to the safety and security of both animals and children.’ 

Human and Health Sciences academic Debbie Wilson, who is working with the International Animal Welfare Coalition, said: “What FIFA need to do is incorporate humane dog population management and the protection of children (UNCRC) being exposed to this into the Morocco, Spain and Portugal bid book.

“It then makes it legally binding and technically, Morocco could be removed as a co-host if they breach this anytime between then and hosting the games in 2030.

“This is about protecting dogs, but it is also about protecting the public, namely children from harm. It is not right that people going about their daily lives should witness this gruesome spectacle, and that is exactly what is happening now.” 

To sign the petition go to www.iawpc.org