Morocco Intensifies Efforts to Combat Stray Dog Problem, Citing Public Health Concerns

Responding to a written question addressed by the deputy of the Haraki Group, Fadoua El Hayani, the Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, affirmed that stray dogs represent a major threat to public health, being both the main source and the main vector of serious diseases such as rabies. The responsibility for their management lies primarily with the municipal councils and their leaders, whose mission is to implement measures to prevent and protect collective health, he specified, before mentioning the support his department provides to local authorities, in order to strengthen their operational capacities.

"Over the past five years, a total amount of 80 million dirhams has been mobilized for the acquisition of vehicles and equipment dedicated to the collection, monitoring, and management of stray animals," Laftit revealed. Another key action: the signing in 2019 of a framework partnership and cooperation agreement bringing together several key actors, including the Ministry of the Interior through the General Directorate of Local Authorities, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), as well as the National Veterinary Authority. According to the minister, this approach has allowed for the strengthening of synergy between these institutions which have implemented an integrated approach based on proven scientific methods, whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in several countries.

"This two-pronged approach will gradually reduce stray animal populations," Laftit assured. His department is also deploying an ambitious program aimed at establishing 130 collective health protection offices, in close partnership with local authorities, as part of its ten-year action plan (2019-2025). It aims to address the infrastructure deficit in areas lacking such structures. Intended to cover 1,244 municipalities spread across 53 regions, this program mobilizes a budget of 1,040 million dirhams. It also mobilizes a multidisciplinary team composed of 260 veterinarians, 260 doctors, 260 health protection technicians, as well as 130 veterinarians specifically responsible for managing animal shelters.

According to the minister, a draft decree relating to Law No. 56.12, aimed at protection against canine dangers, is being developed. It incorporates an animal-friendly approach. Additionally, the ministry annually allocates 40 million dirhams to the Pasteur Institute for the purchase of vaccines and serums distributed in 565 centers, complementing the budget of local authorities who also spend on these products.