Latest News – Last Friday, pressure on FIFA and the Moroccan Government intensified, as 51 member organisations of the Red Latinoamericana de Protección Animal (Latin American Animal Protection Network – LAPA Network) joined the growing global campaign led by the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), demanding an immediate end to Morocco’s mass slaughter of street and owned dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

In towns and cities across Morocco, state-backed ‘killing teams’ continue to poison, shoot, and capture dogs – both stray and owned – in horrifying daily operations that flout all international standards for the humane treatment of animals.

Children witnessing the violence are suffering psychological trauma, a breach of Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. General Comment 26 from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child makes this clear:

“Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals.”

Adults are being assaulted simply for filming the atrocities on their mobile phones – another violation, this time under the UN Convention on Human Rights.

Les Ward, Chair of IAWPC, said:

“Morocco’s relentless and merciless brutal violence on animals and its people is condemned throughout the world. These voices have just got even louder within the renowned footballing nations of Latin America, as a result of the 51 organisations from the LAPA Network joining the fight for justice for humans and animals.

Morocco seems to have forgotten that this is a World Cup, not a national tournament. And as a co-host comes responsibilities. What they do in the name of world football has consequences. And the message from the world is clear – NOT IN OUR NAME – STOP THE VIOLENCE – NOW!”

Luis Sarmiento, Coordinator of the Latin American Animal Protection Network, added:

“As Latin American and Caribbean nations, where dogs are highly valued and found in nearly every household, we were shocked to find out about Morocco’s inhumane plans to control the local dog population. Many of our nations have been capacity-built in humane control plans, while others have introduced legislation banning cruel control methods.

“Furthermore, as fútbol fans – and with strong national teams of our own – we ask FIFA to ensure a cruelty-free event. Let it be ‘fair play’ for dogs as well.”

📢 Find out more at: www.iawpc.org