Heartbreaking footage captured dogs being rounded up and tossed into vans for alleged mass killings in Morocco as the country prepares for the 2030 World Cup.
Since the North African country was ratified as a host in December 2024, campaigners say the slaughterings have surged dramatically, with around 500,000 dogs believed to be slain each year.
The anger intensified after the emergence of shocking verified footage filmed in Marrakesh in March 2026 during a ‘clean-up’ operation ahead of a FIFA inspection visit.
The distressing video shows municipal workers using clamp-like devices to pin terrified animals to the ground before dragging and throwing them into trucks as they howl in agony.
Other footage saw workers with catcher poles wrapping them around the necks of dogs in the street before shoving them into vans and driving away.
Claims that as many as three million street and owned dogs could be shot, poisoned, or captured and killed in Morocco ahead of the 2030 tournament, which the country is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal.
Campaigners say the scenes in the horrific video expose a grim truth behind World Cup preparations, and claim the violence escalates whenever international scrutiny increases.
The International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), representing more than 80 organisations, claims assurances that dogs are being humanely treated are a ‘sham’, pointing instead to graphic footage from facilities it describes as ‘killing stations’.
As three million street and owned dogs could be shot, poisoned, or captured and killed in Morocco ahead of the 2030 tournament
Distressing video shows municipal workers using clamp-like devices to pin terrified animals to the ground
Campaigners say the scenes expose a grim truth behind World Cup preparations, and claim the violence escalates whenever international scrutiny increases
Moroccan authorities, however, insist that stray dogs are collected, sterilised and vaccinated before being released.
Campaigners also allege Morocco is breaching recognised standards on animal welfare, while exposing children to violence in potential violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Fury is now mounting on the eve of football’s most powerful gathering, as activists accuse FIFA of disgracefully ‘failing to act’ – warning the scandal is tarnishing and disgracing the game.
The row is set to erupt at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where the organisation’s top decision-makers will meet to shape the future of global football, overshadowed by growing international outrage.
The coalition argues that commitments made during FIFA’s bid evaluation – including a claim that culling had been prohibited since August 2024 – may have been breached, piling pressure on football’s governing body as it gathers in Canada.
Les Ward MBE, Chairman of the IAWPC, said Morocco is a country under sustained pressure, but patience among campaigners is running out: ‘It is clear that the awarding of the 2030 FIFA World Cup to Morocco, despite the warnings we gave, was a political decision from the very top of FIFA.
‘We warned FIFA, as far back as 2023, that awarding the World Cup to Morocco without strict conditions would lead to a nightmare scenario, and that is exactly what has happened.
‘What we are now seeing is increased killing, child, adult and animal trauma, intimidation and threats.
‘The reality on the ground in Morocco is a living nightmare for dogs, but also for its people, including children, who are forced to bear witness to this every single day.’
In February, a FIFA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasised its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.
‘With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,’ the FIFA spokesperson continued.
FIFA also said it is working with IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco’s draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.
Morocco’s Embassy in London has previously denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country’s commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.
A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: ‘It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.’
Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a ‘clean up’ effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup
Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events
Since Morocco was ratified as a host in December 2024, campaigners say the killings have surged dramatically, with around 500,000 dogs allegedly slaughtered each year
However, documents obtained by The Athletic reportedly showed local authorities ordered 1,000 rounds of ammunition in September 2025 to deal with stray dogs.
In its evaluation report for Morocco’s World Cup bid, FIFA cited the country’s commitment to animal welfare.
PETA spokesman Catie Cryar told the Daily Mail in February: ‘Morocco hasn’t attempted to hide the fact that dogs are being poisoned, shot, and burned alive to “clean up” for the 2030 World Cup, as this report details, so no investigation has been necessary.
‘PETA entities worldwide have been protesting FIFA events, and tens of thousands of PETA members and supporters have sent urgent appeals calling on FIFA to withdraw Morocco’s right to co-host the tournament unless it stops the dog slaughter.
‘FIFA needs to stop dogs from being gunned down in its name, and it can start by funding a spay/neuter program to help solve the homeless-animal crisis on Morocco’s streets.’
Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has also previously thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings in an X post that reads: ‘Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it’s a moral failure.
‘The World Cup should unite the world, not be built on suffering that happens behind closed doors. Humane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.’
