Morocco stray dog law penalties volunteers animal protection

The debate on stray animals is not closed in Morocco. After its adoption by the House of Representatives on June 29, 2026, then by the House of Advisors on July 7, bill 19.25 is now awaiting publication in the Official Gazette.

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But several associations remain concerned. The most sensitive point concerns people who help street animals. The text could, according to its critics, penalize citizens, volunteers or associations that feed, care for or shelter dogs and cats in public spaces.

In a statement, the SPA of Morocco believes that the bill remains insufficient to guarantee true animal protection and provide a lasting response to public health challenges.

The association notably regrets the absence of a clear ban on killing dogs and cats. It also criticizes the lack of a national obligation to resort to capture, sterilization, vaccination and return-to-environment programs.

Volunteers on the front line

For animal rights defenders, the management of street dogs and cats cannot rely solely on sanctions. They advocate for a strategy based on prevention, sterilization, vaccination, animal identification and owner accountability.

The SPA for its part defends an alternative framework bill project composed of 80 articles. This text notably provides for the recognition of animals as sentient beings, the prohibition of killing dogs and cats, the generalization of sterilization programs and the protection of citizens engaged in animal protection.

The association also calls for the creation of public animal protection centers in each municipality. For them, this approach would make it possible to protect residents without criminalizing those who help animals on a daily basis.

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The bill is therefore about to enter its final institutional stage, but the controversy remains. At the heart of the debate: the place reserved for volunteers and Moroccans who already feed or care for stray animals in the streets.