This photo of the "dog massacre" in Morocco for the 2030 World Cup is false

The post on the X platform sparked outrage, claiming that the order had been given to eliminate all stray dogs before the tournament co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. The author of the post mentioned a massacre threatening 3 million animals. However, the Reuters investigation has restored the truth about this photograph.

Taken by Associated Press photographer Asaad Mouhsin, the image actually shows Qassim Ahmed, an Iraqi policeman, pointing his weapon at an animal in the Mansour district of the Iraqi capital, during a local campaign in November 2008. The insignia on the agent’s uniform also confirms his membership in the Iraqi security forces.

A fundamental debate between NGOs and authorities

While the image is false, the debate on the management of stray animals remains lively. The International Animal Coalition, which brings together 79 organizations, claims to receive frequent reports and estimates that the killings have increased since the announcement of the organization of the World Cup. For its part, the Moroccan Ministry of the Interior firmly rejects these allegations.

The authorities describe the figures put forward as totally unfounded and ensure that they favor ethical and sustainable methods, in line with international standards, to manage the canine population.