Rabat – A Moroccan official has denied accusations that the country is planning to kill three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Mohamed Roudani, Head of the Department of Health Preservation and Green Spaces at the General Directorate of Territorial Communities, said the reports circulating in some international media are “completely unfounded.”
“There is no campaign to eradicate stray dogs,” Roudani told MAP news agency. “The claims that Morocco is planning to eliminate three million stray dogs before the World Cup have no basis.”
His statement comes in response to growing criticism from animal rights groups and activists, who have accused Morocco of carrying out mass killings of stray dogs ahead of major tournaments.
Some activists suggested that authorities have been culling dogs in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting.
Several animal welfare associations condemned what they described as a “cruel and inhumane” approach, and called on authorities to adopt ethical and sustainable solutions instead. Some groups shared images and testimonies online claiming that stray dogs were being poisoned or shot in various cities.
In response Roudani said that Moroccan local authorities are committed to “humane and sustainable” solutions in dealing with stray dogs. Municipalities are working in line with international animal welfare standards and are implementing various measures to control the stray dog population ethically, he argued.
To address the issue, Roudani added, the Interior Ministry supports municipalities in several initiatives, including building and equipping animal clinics, implementing the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release) method. They are especially reinforcing public health offices with veterinarians, nurses, and technicians, he concluded.
