Animal Protection Group Threatens Legal Action Over Casablanca Stray Dog Management

The Moroccan Association for the Protection of Animals (SPA du Maroc) has issued a stern warning, threatening to take legal action against the relevant authorities in Casablanca, including the local development company Casablanca Environment, concerning the management of stray dogs. The association asserts that the methods employed in collecting and handling stray dogs since 2019 have involved serious violations and inhumane practices. This stance is based on numerous testimonies from Moroccan and foreign citizens who have reported what they describe as violent and cruel operations.

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The way stray dogs are collected and handled in the economic capital of the kingdom has seen serious violations since 2019.

SPA du Maroc is demanding comprehensive and detailed information from the company tasked with managing this sector. Specifically, they require data on the number of dogs captured, sterilized, vaccinated, and released, as well as information on the allocated budgets and contracts with local authorities and shelters. The association emphasizes that this transparency is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and ethical adherence of Morocco's approach to stray animal management, particularly following the framework agreement signed under the Ministry of Interior's supervision in 2019.

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SPA du Maroc has demanded that the company commissioned to manage this sector provide detailed data on the management of the stray dog file since 2019, in light of reports of violent practices against these animals during their collection.

The association's concerns extend beyond mere collection methods. They have documented instances of verbal and physical abuse during operations, threats against citizens documenting the process, the disappearance of dogs, refusal to return animals to their rightful owners or caretakers, and poor conditions during transport and detention. Some animals have reportedly been returned in deteriorating health. These allegations highlight a significant gap between the stated policies for humane animal management and the reality on the ground in Casablanca, prompting a call for greater accountability and adherence to animal welfare standards.

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The disclosure of this data has become necessary to ensure transparency and assess the extent to which the approach adopted by Morocco for years in managing dogs is respected, especially after the signing of the framework agreement in 2019 under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.