Three MILLION dogs to be killed in Morocco ahead of the FIFA World Cup in a ‘brutal clean-up of the streets’

A leading conservationist has condemned Morocco and urged FIFA to take action against the slaughter of three million street dogs ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

Campaigners claim the animals could be killed in a brutal ‘clean-up operation’ to make cities more presentable to visiting football fans.

Reports suggest thousands of stray dogs have already been slaughtered at locations across the North African country, with fears the killings will escalate.

Jane Goodall, a prominent animal rights activist, has now written to the International Football Association demanding immediate action, accusing the organization of turning a blind eye to what she calls ‘a horrific act of barbarity’.

In the letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was shocked to see Moroccan authorities engaging in the large-scale killings – an initiative that was reportedly halted in August 2024.

‘I am equally shocked to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been provided with detailed files documenting these heinous acts, most of which are carried out in the most brutal and cruel manner imaginable, and that they yet seem to have ignored,” she continued.

The animal rights activist then wondered how football fans around the world would react if they knew the cruelty the helpless animals faced in the run-up to the Games.

‘You must be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they hear about this?’ she wrote.

Reports suggest that thousands of stray dogs have already been slaughtered in locations across the North African country, with fears the killings will escalate.

Pictured: Slaughtered dogs piled in a truck amid the mass killings

A stray dog ​​wrapped in a warm blanket after being rescued from the street

In the photo: Stray dogs brought to a mini shelter in Morocco

‘Moreover, it will put FIFA itself back in the spotlight. I know you have worked hard to restore FIFA’s reputation after the recent scandals. However, if you do nothing, FIFA will be known for complicity in a heinous act of barbarity – on your watch.

“I strongly urge you to ensure that the killings are stopped, including by informing Morocco that the country hosting the tournament will be suspended until it does so.

‘There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organizations eager to assist Moroccan authorities in implementing such programs.

‘There is simply no excuse for the appalling campaign of cruelty being waged in the name of football. “I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to put an end to it immediately, and for doing so, earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public around the world.”

MailOnline has approached FIFA for comment.

The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls “Morocco’s ugly secret”, detailing the gruesome methods used to kill stray dogs.

They claim that dogs are poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed bait.

Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets 24 hours a day, shooting the animals and often leaving them injured to die in pain.

Other dogs would be locked up in restraints, thrown into trucks and transported to facilities where they were killed inhumanely.

The coalition claims that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, murders have increased dramatically, despite Moroccan authorities claiming in August 2024 that the initiative had been halted.

FIFA has not yet responded to the allegations, but critics warn the organization could face a PR disaster if the claims are ignored.

“FIFA has worked hard to rebuild its reputation following previous scandals, but failure to act on this would undo the progress made,” Goodall’s letter added.

As pressure mounts and outrage mounts, campaigners are calling for immediate action to stop the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs from further harm.