Television personality and animal rights advocate Sharon Osbourne has voiced her outrage over what campaigners describe as a systematic mass killing of free-roaming dogs in Morocco, as the country prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Celebrity Backing for Global Campaign
Osbourne has publicly aligned herself with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), a global alliance of approximately 80 animal welfare groups including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Peta. The coalition estimates that up to three million dogs could be killed in a bid to 'clean up' host cities before the football tournament.
"I am shocked and furious at what is happening to dogs in Morocco in the run-up to the 2030 World Cup," Osbourne stated. "The mass killing of defenceless animals to 'clean up' for a sporting event is barbaric. These dogs are not a problem to be erased; they deserve compassion and protection."
She is joined by other prominent figures such as Ricky Gervais, Peter Egan, Dominic Dyer, and Chris Packham, who have all spoken out against the alleged massacre of strays.
Alarming Precedent Set by AFCON
The IAWPC reports that a sharp increase in dog killings has already been documented around Moroccan cities hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which began on December 21, 2025. The affected areas include major future World Cup host cities: Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fes.
Les Ward MBE, Chairman of the IAWPC, said: "The killings we are witnessing around AFCON are deeply alarming and reinforce our fears about what lies ahead as Morocco prepares for the World Cup. This is not humane population management. It is systematic mass killing, driven by image management for international tournaments."
He emphasised the scale, stating: "We are talking about millions of dogs, sentient beings, being wiped out to create a false impression of 'clean' host cities."
Push for Humane Solutions and Legal Change
In response to the crisis, the coalition is not only campaigning but also working on practical alternatives. The IAWPC is engaging with FIFA and has assembled an international panel of veterinary, legal, and animal welfare experts.
Their goal is to develop a long-term, humane strategy for managing street dog populations and to push for changes in Moroccan law to bring it in line with international animal welfare standards. The campaign has noted a positive step, welcoming FIFA's expression of interest in sponsoring humane education programmes at the six World Cup stadium sites.
Osbourne concluded her statement with a direct message: "I am proud to stand with the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition in demanding an immediate end to the slaughter. I would like the people of Morocco to remember that the world is watching."
