Already 300,000, up to 3 million die... This Country Hosting the World Cup Conducts Large-Scale Stray Dog Massacre

Morocco, selected as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup along with Spain and Portugal, is being accused of conducting a large-scale mass killing of stray dogs under the pretext of 'street cleaning.'

On the 16th (local time), according to local media including the UK’s The Sun, the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) claimed, "300,000 stray dogs are killed annually in Morocco," and warned, "Before the start of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, 3 million dogs are at risk of losing their lives."

Image of a stray dog. The photo is not related to the content of the article.

원본보기 아이콘

They continued, "Since Morocco announced its joint hosting of the World Cup, inhumane and barbaric killings of stray dogs have increased," adding, "Dogs are shot or poisoned, causing them to die painfully."

Currently, IAWPC emphasized that armed individuals in Morocco are killing dogs by stabbing them with poison-coated sticks or feeding them bait laced with poison. Dogs wounded by gunshots are left bleeding on the streets, and dead dogs are discarded in trash bins.

Criticism has also arisen that Morocco’s animal shelters have effectively turned into slaughterhouses. IAWPC Chair Les Ward pointed out, "Hundreds of dogs are confined in cramped spaces, living in their own excrement," and "They die from disease or starvation. Dogs suffering from hunger eventually start to eat each other."

The Sun reported, "Despite Morocco’s authorities declaring it illegal since 2019, it is estimated that 300,000 stray dogs are killed annually," and added, "Supporters of this method claim it will eradicate rabies, which kills about 80 people each year, but animal activists argue that culling is ineffective."

Animal rights activists have urged FIFA to revoke Morocco’s status as a World Cup host country. Previously, the Moroccan government expressed its commitment to animal rights protection in the bid evaluation report submitted to FIFA and stated that animal slaughter had been banned since August of last year.

Dr. Jane Goodall, participating in IAWPC’s 'End the Morocco Dog Massacre Campaign,' said, "If FIFA does not act immediately, it is tantamount to participating in these horrific and barbaric acts carried out under their supervision," and added, "There is no excuse for such cruelty committed in the name of football."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.