Morocco is launching a comprehensive sterilization and vaccination campaign to manage the stray dog population in preparation for its hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The program follows years of demands from citizens and local governments to control stray animal populations in urban centers, while also ensuring humane treatment of the animals by establishing shelters in several municipalities.
In 2021, there were frequent reports of dog attacks in Morocco, some resulting in the transmission of diseases such as rabies. The problem not only poses a danger to the public but also costs the government over USD 26 million annually for rabies treatments, according to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control. Alarmingly, approximately 80 deaths per year are linked to rabies, and nearly 50,000 rabies treatments are administered each year.
Morocco has previously tried to reduce the stray dog population through controlled killings conducted by licensed hunters and law enforcement during the late-night hours. In some smaller cities, it is not unusual to hear the distant sound of gunshots followed by an eerie silence as nocturnal animals disperse in fear.
However, since 2023, Morocco has shifted to a more humane approach to animal population control. The government has allocated MAD 70 million for building shelters, vaccinations, and neutering programs.
In tourist-heavy and densely populated cities such as Tangier, it is now common to see tagged (vaccinated and neutered) dogs roaming the corniche.
As Morocco prepares to host the World Cup and anticipates an influx of football fans from around the world, the situation has become more urgent. Local authorities, particularly in major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat, are facing increasing pressure to meet international standards for both cleanliness and stray animal management, and the effort has evolved from a local concern to a national priority.
The overarching goal of the national program is to ensure that by 2030, Morocco can welcome visitors to Morocco’s streets and public areas in safety and conditions that align with international expectations. The government’s recent allocation of MAD 80 million is just an initial step in a sustained effort that authorities hope will yield long-term results.