An unprecedented global Day of Action takes place tomorrow, 20 August 2025, as an international coalition of respected animal welfare groups comes together to protest Morocco’s ongoing mass killing of free-roaming dogs – and to condemn a proposed new law that campaigners say will only escalate the cruelty.

The Moroccan Government has published Draft Law 19.25 – officially titled Concerning the Protection of Stray Animals and the Prevention of Their Dangers – which campaigners describe as a “killing charter” that criminalises compassion and paves the way for further violence in the run-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Coordinated by the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), the global mobilisation follows mounting alarm over the scale and brutality of the killings. The proposed law introduces harsh new penalties for citizens and rescue groups who attempt to help stray animals – while failing to outlaw the killings themselves.

Still awaiting parliamentary approval, the draft legislation applies to all species of stray animals – not only dogs – and includes provisions for fines and imprisonment for feeding or caring for strays, even in emergencies. Animal shelters and rescue charities could also face prosecution for providing basic care, food or veterinary treatment.

Les Ward MBE, Chair of the IAWPC (pictured below with street dog Layla), said:

“Whilst presented as a protective measure, as drafted, this law contains significant ambiguities and provisions that will harm – rather than safeguard – all species of free-roaming animals.

“This proposed law is a legalised death sentence for street dogs. It criminalises kindness, punishes compassion, and protects cruelty. Morocco has chosen violence over humanity. We’re urging the world to speak up tomorrow.

“We’re calling for this Draft Law – which seems to be a hastily drafted cruelty and killing charter, in response to national and international public protests against the expected mass killing of some 3 million dogs before the FIFA 2030 World Cup – to be either amended or scrapped altogether.”

Public outrage is growing in Morocco and beyond, particularly as many dog killings have taken place in front of children, tourists and residents, using shotguns, poison and beatings. Horrific footage continues to circulate online, prompting condemnation from international organisations and public figures.

Despite this, campaigners say Draft Law 19.25 would further endanger animals and criminalise those trying to help them.

Among the most troubling articles of the draft legislation are:

• Article 5: Prohibits any person from sheltering, feeding or caring for a stray animal in public – even in emergency situations.
• Article 44: Makes such acts punishable by 1 to 3 months’ imprisonment and fines between 3,000 and 15,000 dirhams, effectively deterring NGOs and citizens from helping starving, sick or injured animals.
• Article 51: Grants authorities sweeping powers to “put an end to the danger of stray animals” if deemed a threat to public order – with no requirement for humane methods or independent oversight.
• While Article 13 mentions “scientific and innovative methods” to limit reproduction, there is no binding mandate for TNVR (Trap–Neuter–Vaccinate–Return). Instead, the focus is on the capture and confinement of animals in “care centres” – risking overcrowding, poor welfare and euthanasia.

These measures, critics say, are in conflict with Islamic principles of kindness towards animals, and contradict the values of many Moroccan citizens who regularly care for community animals near their homes.

Long-time animal rights campaigner and Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan, who supports the IAWPC, said:

“This is nothing short of state-sanctioned slaughter. I’ve seen the horrific images coming out of Morocco, and they will haunt me forever. Kind-hearted people are being punished for trying to save lives, while innocent animals are being brutally killed to appease a global sporting event. We must take a stand.”

Peter Egan joins a growing list of high-profile voices, including Dr Jane Goodall, Chris Packham, Gary Numan and Lorraine Kelly, all of whom have condemned the killings and urged Morocco to adopt humane alternatives such as Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR), also known as TNVR.

The Day of Action, taking place tomorrow, will include peaceful protests, animal feedings by Moroccan citizens, global social media campaigns, and direct appeals to FIFA, which has remained silent so far, despite growing concern from football fans and animal lovers around the world.

To find out more and to sign the petition, visit: https://iawpc.org/morocco-dog-campaign/