Morocco’s plans to build 130 mass dog-control centres ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup have sparked concern among animal welfare groups. Local media has reported on the construction of these facilities, which are being marketed as Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) clinics. However, the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) is sounding the alarm, claiming that these centres are actually covert killing stations disguised as animal welfare initiatives.
The IAWPC, a consortium of 27 organizations including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, PETA, and In Defense of Animals, has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and humane practices in Morocco’s rollout of these facilities. Les Ward MBE, chairman of the IAWPC, stated, “It feels abundantly clear that Morocco is not planning to carry out any meaningful TNVR at these sites. What we are seeing instead is a vast, state-funded infrastructure to round up and quietly kill behind closed doors, dogs under the pretence of humane management.”
The coalition has gathered footage showing dogcatchers using inhumane methods to capture dogs, including metal neck clamps and makeshift snares. In some cases, dogs have been seen bleeding and howling in pain as they are dragged across concrete. The IAWPC’s research has also revealed that no other country with a free-roaming dog population has attempted to create TNVR centres on such a large scale. This has raised concerns about the true intentions of these facilities, with some calling them “centres of death.”
Despite offers from the coalition to help establish a more humane approach to dog population management, including expert-led sterilization campaigns and community engagement, Moroccan authorities have remained silent. The IAWPC is demanding urgent access to the facilities to assess welfare conditions and advise on humane alternatives. They argue that a genuine TNVR approach could position Morocco as a global leader in ethical dog management, but only if the current killing and inhumanity is stopped.
“Morocco has a choice,” said Ward. “Reject violence and stop the killing. Then together we can work and implement a world-class system that respects and saves lives. Or continue down the dark path that brutally takes lives, traumatises children, permits unfettered violent assaults on its citizens, brings world condemnation and at great cost to the country’s image and tourist industry.” The IAWPC is also urging FIFA to take a closer look at the situation in Morocco and not be misled by propaganda. They argue that FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that animal welfare is not disregarded in the lead up to the World Cup.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.