Moroccans Call for Investigation into Killing of Stray Dogs in Tinghir

Rabat – A viral video showing an armed man shooting stray dogs in the city of Tinghir, 173km from Ouarzazate, has sparked widespread outrage, with many Moroccans calling for an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The disturbing footage triggered a fresh wave of backlash on social media, where users condemned the killings and called for humane methods to address the country’s stray dog population instead of resorting to violence.

The video comes as Morocco continues to pledge more efforts to tackle the situation, including through the Trap-Vaccinate-Neuter-Return (TVNR) approach, a humane strategy that involves capturing, sterilizing, vaccinating, and releasing stray dogs.

NGOs and activists have long called for a speedy expansion of the program nationwide in partnership with local authorities and animal welfare organizations to tackle the situation.

The video is not an isolated incident, as many local activists have long warned about the inhumane treatment that dogs endure in some regions, including remote areas. The situation has long created divisions, with many frustrated citizens arguing that stray dogs pose threats to public safety, especially to children, due to the many attacks reported involving aggressive stray dogs.

However, many argue that the situation could be tackled through a more humane approach and by expanding existing programs, condemning the killing of stray dogs and other animals. While many videos remain unauthenticated and lack a clear time frame, several of this nature regularly make headlines across the country.

The situation has also attracted international attention, with many tabloids reporting heavily on the issue, often without verifying whether the videos are old, in what many see as an attempt to target the country, especially as it prepares to host and co-host prestigious events, including the 2030 World Cup.

Morocco has reiterated its efforts to tackle the situation in line with international standards, refuting claims that it is carrying out or planning the culling of dogs. Instead, Moroccan authorities have repeatedly stressed the country’s commitment to addressing the issue through a more humane approach.

The House of Representatives approved a draft law on June 30 to address stray animals in urban and peri-urban areas, where concerns over public safety, health risks, and animal welfare continue to grow.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish organized systems for managing stray animals, including shelters, vaccination and sterilization programs, as well as the creation of a national database to monitor populations and interventions.

It also defines the responsibilities of local authorities and relevant institutions, with the aim of replacing inconsistent practices with a coordinated framework.

Morocco World News (MWN) recently interviewed the International Companion Animal Management Coalition’s (ICAM) head of communication and engagement, Catherine Thomson, who acknowledged that Morocco’s official policy reflects internationally recognized humane standards to tackle the situation of strays.

She acknowledged, however, that some challenges persist, including ensuring that measures to address stray animal cases are implemented consistently across the country.