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A New Safe Haven for Stray Animals Opens in Morocco

oipainternational — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:18:17 +0000

A New Beginning for Vulnerable Animals

On 13 June 2026, a new chapter for animal welfare in Morocco began with the inauguration of a shelter for stray dogs and cats in Aïn Jouhara, near Tiflet.

The initiative was made possible through the commitment of OIPA Representative for Morocco, Zahra Al Amari, together with lawyer Anouar Hajji, who share a common vision: to provide protection, care and dignity to animals that have spent much of their lives struggling to survive on the streets.

The shelter was created as a safe haven for animals in need and as a practical response to the growing challenges associated with stray animal populations.

From the Streets to Safety

Many of the animals now living at the shelter were previously exposed to hunger, disease, extreme weather conditions and the constant dangers of road traffic.

Today, they have access to regular food, clean water, veterinary care and a secure environment where they can recover and live with dignity.

The shelter currently provides care for approximately 150 dogs and 20 cats, offering them a second chance and demonstrating that compassionate, community-driven solutions can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.

A Community Celebration

The inauguration brought together members of the local community, families, volunteers and animal welfare supporters in a day marked by hope and solidarity.

Children and young participants played a special role in the event by creating colourful artworks that were displayed throughout the shelter, symbolising a future built on compassion and respect for animals. Their participation highlighted the importance of education and awareness in fostering a culture of empathy towards all living beings.

As part of the celebration, certificates of participation were awarded to the young participants in recognition of their creativity, commitment and contribution to promoting animal welfare values within their community.

Addressing a Wider Challenge

The issue of stray animals remains a significant challenge in many parts of Morocco. Beyond concerns related to animal welfare, it is closely connected to public health, responsible population management and community well-being.

Projects such as this shelter demonstrate that sustainable solutions can be achieved through cooperation between local communities, animal welfare advocates and institutions. Providing immediate care to animals in need is essential, but long-term progress also requires education, responsible ownership, sterilisation programmes and increased public awareness.

Veterinarians and Animal Welfare Professionals Needed

As the shelter continues to grow and provide care for an increasing number of animals, access to veterinary expertise remains one of its most important needs.

OIPA Morocco is currently seeking veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses and animal health professionals interested in supporting future animal welfare initiatives, including sterilisation campaigns, veterinary outreach activities, preventive healthcare programmes and capacity-building efforts.

Professional support can make a significant difference in improving animal welfare standards and helping develop sustainable, long-term solutions for stray animal management.

If you are interested in collaborating, sharing expertise or supporting future veterinary initiatives in Morocco, we would be pleased to hear from you.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Caring for more than 170 animals requires continuous resources, including food, veterinary treatments, medicines, shelter maintenance and daily care.

If you would like to support this important initiative, you can contribute through a donation and help provide a safer future for stray animals in Morocco.

When making a donation please specify- Morocco Animal Shelter

DONATE NOW

DONATE NOW !

Veterinary Needed in Morocco !

OIPA Morocco is currently seeking veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses and animal health professionals from around the world who would like to support animal welfare initiatives in Morocco.

Whether you are interested in volunteering your expertise, providing technical support or collaborating on future projects, your contribution can make a meaningful difference.

To express your interest or learn more, please contact:

international@oipa.org

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OIPA ETS Welcomes Zahra El Amari as Representative for Morocco

oipainternational — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:57:30 +0000

OIPA ETS is pleased to welcome Zahra El Amari as its new Representative in Morocco.

Driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare, Zahra founded the Association AAEM (Aide aux Animaux Errants au Maroc) in 2021 with the mission of improving the lives of stray animals throughout the country. Since then, she has dedicated her efforts to rescuing vulnerable animals, promoting responsible animal care, and raising awareness within local communities.

On land provided by her family, Zahra established a shelter that currently provides care and protection for nearly 200 dogs and three donkeys. Through AAEM, she works tirelessly to rescue stray animals, provide veterinary care, support vaccination, sterilization, castration, and identification programs, and ultimately help animals find loving adoptive families.

Education and prevention are also central to Zahra’s work. She regularly visits schools to teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with stray animals, helping to foster empathy and responsible behavior from an early age. Building on this commitment, she is preparing to launch dedicated training programs for students, offering educational courses throughout the school year. At the end of the program, participating students will receive certificates of merit recognizing their achievements and dedication to animal welfare.

Zahra’s expertise is further supported by her professional training, having obtained two canine training certificates that strengthen her ability to work effectively with animals and promote responsible care practices.

Through her experience, dedication, and compassionate approach, Zahra is making a meaningful contribution to animal welfare in Morocco. OIPA ETS is proud to welcome her to our global network and looks forward to supporting her efforts to create a safer and more compassionate future for animals.

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OIPA officially joins the IAWPC – International Coalition against the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup

oipainternational — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:54:46 +0000

Growing international pressure to stop the mass killing of stray dogs linked to preparations for the global sporting event in 2030

OIPA ETS is proud to officially announce its membership in the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition, a global coalition that is actively working to put an end to the mass killing of stray dogs in Morocco in view of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

OIPA’s entry comes at a time of increasing international concern. According to the coalition, hundreds of thousands of dogs are killed every year in Morocco using extremely cruel methods such as poisoning, shooting, and violent capture, followed by killing in designated facilities.

In recent months, these practices appear to have intensified in connection with preparations for the World Cup. According to the IAWPC, millions of dogs are at risk as part of operations aimed at “cleaning up” cities ahead of the event.

The coalition reports that these killings often take place in public, causing extreme suffering to animals and having a significant impact on communities, particularly on children who are exposed to scenes of violence.

OIPA had already spoken out against these practices, denouncing the situation and calling on the FIFA to intervene, including through awareness-raising initiatives and public mobilization.

The IAWPC is currently in direct contact with FIFA, with the aim of urging concrete and responsible action regarding the situation in Morocco. In this context, OIPA’s membership further strengthens international pressure and contributes to broader media mobilization.

By joining the coalition, OIPA commits to being an active part of this process, not merely an observer but a key actor working to promote concrete change through advocacy, communication, and international coordination.

In particular, OIPA will work alongside IAWPC partners to:

•stop the mass killing of stray dogs;

•promote ethical and effective population management methods;

•apply pressure on Moroccan authorities and international stakeholders;

•strengthen public mobilization and global awareness of the issue.

“OIPA is deeply concerned about what is happening in Morocco,” stated Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA ETS. “The management of stray dogs cannot be based on violence and indiscriminate killing, especially when linked to international events” Pradella added.

The greatness of a nation is not measured solely by its infrastructure, but by its ability to protect the most vulnerable, including animals. “An event that celebrates unity among peoples cannot be overshadowed by actions that contradict the values of respect and civilization,” Pradella concluded.

According to the coalition, the practices currently in place not only represent a serious violation of animal welfare, but also raise significant human rights concerns. Reports indicate that acts of violence and intimidation have been directed at citizens and volunteers working to protect stray dogs, including women activists.

These actions also have a significant impact on minors, who are often exposed to scenes of extreme violence. This situation is in contrast with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which protects children from all forms of violence and promotes education based on respect for life and the environment.

OIPA’s entry into the IAWPC therefore marks a concrete step toward coordinated international action aimed at ending these practices and promoting sustainable, science-based, and humane solutions.

As the world prepares for a global event such as the World Cup, the international community must ensure that respect for animals is not sacrificed in the name of image or tourism.

Sport should be a symbol of unity, respect, and peace: it must not and cannot be associated with violence, suffering, and death.

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