Rabat – A Moroccan official has accused that the country wants to kill three million stray dogs before the 2030 World Cup.
Mohamed Roudani, head of the Ministry of Health and Green Spaces of the General Directorate Territorial Communities, said that the reports spread in some international media were “completely unfounded”.
“There is no campaign to eradicate stray dogs”, Roudani told Map News Agency. “The claim that Morocco is planning to eliminate three million stray dogs before the World Cup have no basis.”
His statement comes to a response to growing criticism of animal rights groups and activists who have accused Morocco Murders From stray dogs before big tournaments.
Some activists proposed that the authorities prepared dogs to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup 2030, which is Morocco co-moderator.
Several animal welfare associations condemned what they described as “cruel and inhumane” ApproachAnd asked the authorities to take on ethical and sustainable solutions instead. Some groups shared pictures and statements online and claim to be poisoned or shot in different cities.
In response, Roudani said that the Moroccan local authorities are obliged to “humane and sustainable” solutions in dealing with stray dogs. The municipalities work in harmony with international animal welfare standards and carry out various measures to ethically control the stray dog population, he argued.
To solve the problem, Roudani added, the Interior Ministry supports municipalities in several initiatives, including the construction and equipment of veterinary clinics, the implementation of the TNR method (trap, neutral, vaccination and release). In particular, they strengthen offices in public health care with veterinarians, nurses and technicians, he concluded.
