Sat Jan 18 10:44:18 UTC 2025: ## FIFA World Cup Co-Host Morocco Faces Backlash Over Brutal Stray Dog Cull

**Rabat, Morocco** – Morocco’s plans to cull up to three million stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal, have sparked international outrage. Animal welfare organizations and prominent activists, including Jane Goodall, are condemning the reported use of inhumane and potentially illegal methods, such as poisoning with strychnine, shooting, and beating the animals to death.

Reports from the *Daily Mail* detail the alleged brutality of the cull, painting a grim picture of widespread suffering. The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition estimates that up to three million dogs could be killed under this campaign, despite existing Moroccan laws protecting street dogs. Shelters are reportedly overflowing with injured animals, struggling to cope with the influx.

Jane Goodall has directly appealed to FIFA, urging the organization to intervene and potentially suspend Morocco’s participation in the World Cup if the culling continues. Her letter condemns the reported methods as brutal and unacceptable.

While FIFA has yet to issue an official statement, sources indicate the organization is monitoring the situation closely and conducting inspections of planned World Cup venues. The international community is urging Morocco to abandon the mass cull in favor of humane and sustainable alternatives, such as trap-neuter-vaccinate-release (TNVR) programs. The controversy casts a shadow over Morocco’s preparations for the prestigious sporting event.

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