FIFA urged to tackle Morocco's stray dog crisis for World Cup
The upcoming men's football World Cup will, for the first time in history, be hosted across three continents and six countries. Among these is Morocco, where, according to animal rights advocates, stray dogs are treated in an inhumane and particularly cruel manner. Activists have appealed to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to address the issue.
The next World Cup will take place in six countries, spanning three continents – Europe, Africa, and South America. Morocco is set to be one of the hosts, where, as noted by animal rights defenders, there are concerns about the cruel treatment and killing of stray dogs.
Activists have approached the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to question Morocco's suitability as a host.
According to data from animal rights organisations, there are approximately three million stray dogs in Morocco. Activists claim that these animals are brutally killed, suggesting that this is part of the country's "preparations" for the football World Cup.
Brutal treatment of dogs in Morocco: Activists appeal to FIFA
Dogs are given strychnine or are shot. It often happens that shot dogs die in agony. Consequently, the International Animal Coalition has warned FIFA against allowing Morocco to organise matches during the championship.
This issue is also highlighted by the Open Cages Association.
Before the FIFA inspection, stray dogs were shot on the streets regardless of whether they were marked as vaccinated and neutered or not. According to pro-animal organisations, this is evidence that such cruel practices will not cease until FIFA, as the World Cup organiser, exerts pressure on the choice of hosts, warns the association.
First Russia, now Morocco. It seems that these cruel and senseless practices, allegedly intended to enhance the country's image in the eyes of fans and FIFA representatives, will not cease until the federation assumes at least partial responsibility for them, comments Anna Iżyńska, Communications Specialist at the Open Cages Association.
Football should not be associated in any way with the beating and killing of stray dogs – this is immoral behaviour and, as such, contrary to the FIFA Code of Ethics, she adds.
