Rabat (Morocco) - As one of the host countries of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco wants to present itself from its best side. That's why millions of street dogs are at risk of an agonizing death.

Since FIFA announced that the World Cup after next will be held in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, the killing of stray animals in the North African country has increased dramatically, writes the animal welfare organization"International Animal Coalition" (IAWPC).

The four-legged friends are said to be shot in large numbers on the streets, poisoned and then transported away like garbage.

According to the IAWPC, around 300,000 dogs are killed in Morocco every year, even without a major sporting event on the doorstep. As a result of the World Cup and the desire for clean streets, a total of three million stray pets are threatened with death before the kick-off!

The animal welfare organization therefore called on FIFA to "put Morocco on ice" as co-host until the country puts an end to its animal "mass murder". A corresponding petition has been launched.

The animal rights activists also accuse the World Cup host Morocco of violating human rights by killing street dogs: "The brutal killing of dogs in Morocco by the authorities is often carried out in front of children, many of whom are deeply traumatized."