Animal welfare campaigners in the UK are concerned that three million stray dogs in Morocco could face horrific slaughter if the country wins its World Cup bid next month.
Concerns have been raised over animal welfare as FIFA prepares to award the bid to Spain, Portugal and Morocco on December 11.
Campaigners from the International Animal Welfare Coalition 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 TV vet Marc Abraham, OBE, who supports the International Animal Welfare Coalition’s campaign against the Morocco Dog slaughter, 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.”
The veterinary surgeon, author and broadcaster, better known as ‘Marc the Vet’ is the founder of puppy farm awareness campaign ‘Pup Aid’ and is the co-founder of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group, added: “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?
“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.”
To prepare for the games, and for recent African Cup of Nations matches, the Moroccan government has been rounding up dogs, who are beaten, shot and poisoned in public.
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.”