Morocco is scaling up a nationwide program to sterilize, vaccinate, and release stray dogs, as part of efforts to manage their population while addressing concerns about public health and animal welfare. «We have a problem: stray dogs. So we have to solve it, but in a way that respects animals», Mohamed Roudani, head of public health and green spaces at the Interior Ministry, told the Associated Press (AP). He was referring to the «Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return» (TNVR) strategy, officially adopted by Morocco in 2019. The country has spent around $23 million on animal control centers and programs over the past five years. As part of the program, a center has opened in Rabat to carry out the TNVR strategy, with at least 14 more planned in other cities, aligning Morocco with recommendations from the World Organization for Animal Health. Located in El Aarjate, the facility houses hundreds of «Beldi» dogs, Morocco's street dogs. During a press visit, the Associated Press reported that the center treats and tags the animals before releasing them. At the center, veterinarians from the Association for the Protection of Animals and Nature say they care for between 400 and 500 dogs from Rabat and nearby towns. Dogs deemed too sick or aggressive are euthanized with sodium pentobarbital. «Slaughtering dogs leads to nothing», said Youssef Lhor, a veterinarian at the center. «This TNVR strategy is not a miracle solution, but it is one element that adds to everything else we're doing». The program comes as Morocco faces scrutiny from international animal rights groups, some of which accuse the country of killing stray dogs ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Officials deny these claims and insist their policies align with animal welfare standards—not sporting events. A draft law is also in the works to mandate pet vaccination and crack down on animal abuse.
