Vet Marc Abraham OBE and the International Animal Welfare Coalition (IAWPC) have raised concerns over Morocco’s suitability to host the World Cup, after “disturbing footage” emerged that appears to show the public killing of street dogs in preparation for the event.
As FIFA prepares to award the bid to Spain, Portugal and Morocco on December 11, campaigners are urging FIFA to put stipulations into their acceptance of the bid, which “categorically rejects the inhumane methods currently being used to kill stray dogs in the country”.
Animal campaigner and vet Marc Abrahams, OBE, said, “This is not dogs being put to sleep in a humane way, this is dogs being tortured, beaten and subjected to horrific killing methods including being injected with strychnine.
“No vet would ever sanction or support population control measures like this, it is downright cruel and FIFA needs to take responsibility for the role that football is playing in this.
“It is also important to note that much of this killing is taking place in full view of the public including children, what kind of a world are we living in where this kind of treatment of animals and children is deemed acceptable, in the name of sport?”
Human and Health Sciences academic Debbie Wilson, who is working with the International Animal Welfare Coalition, said, “Like my fellow campaigners, I am calling for FIFA to put stipulations in place on Morocco before they are granted the bid on December 11. FIFA it is in your gift to stop this torture, and the harm that it causes to the human population too. Act now.”
Human and Health Sciences academic Debbie Wilson, who is working with the International Animal Welfare Coalition, said: “What FIFA need to do is incorporate humane dog population management and the protection of children (UNCRC) being exposed to this into the Morocco, Spain and Portugal bid book.
“It then makes it legally binding and technically, Morocco could be removed as a co-host if they breach this anytime between then and hosting the games in 2030. This is about protecting dogs, but it is also about protecting the public, namely children from harm.
“It is not right that people going about their daily lives should witness this gruesome spectacle, and that is exactly what is happening now.”
