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Life of animals in Morocco

Even though Morocco is one of the countries taken under the World Animal Protection program, it still has real problem in terms of animal welfare. Including bad living conditions, very little knowledge about food for each of the species, and illegal trade. It all affects animals in Morocco, especially in cities like Rabat, Marrakech and Casablanca.

by Antonina Kilian

“Cruelty towards animals is still a huge problem around the world, not only in Morocco”. says Katyani Restrepo, a student from Morocco, who spends time organizing charity actions and fights against improper animal treatment. “It’s unbelievable what a human being can do to another living creature”.

According to Muhammad Bella, a journalist from The Moroccan News, “The way some people in Morocco treat animals is morally wrong and totally indefensible. There are cases of the abuse and merciless torture of animals and, most often without a second thought”.

Among others, these are the most common acts of cruelty done to animals:

– Castration(also known as Gonadectomy): used around the world, in Morocco usually done under non-hygienic nor sterile conditions.

– Ear cropping: mostly used as a punishment

– Illegal animal trade on the market in Medina

– Tail docking: intentional removal of part of an animal’s tail

– Cockfighting and dogfighting: it’s illegal, however people find ways to organize fights between animals to earn money from betting.

– The use of animals in witchcraft and sorcery: making potions and concoctions. As a result, animals have their tails, eyes, beaks, horns and toes taken off. It is a common practice.

Another problem easily noticeable in Moroccan society is the number of animals living on streets, especially cats. They are usually neglected, abandoned, poisoned, or beaten. They often starve or are subject to broken bones and open wounds. Many of them are sick and diseased, and may be kicked, hit or stoned if they come near people.

What does Morocco do to stop animal abuse?

by Antonina Kilian

SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature) is an organization that helps people understand that wrong animal welfare is a huge problem in Morocco. They organize workshops with children and adults, to teach them about animals in their natural environment.

Hamid Belemleh, a vet working for SPANA says in one of the articles on organization’s website: “What I like most about my job is the pleasure you get from saving an animal or ensuring its welfare through education. Since I’ve been working for SPANA, I’ve seen great changes in people’s attitudes towards their animals. When I first started working for SPANA, we would have to go out and persuade people to get their animals treated. Now they come to us, and I think that’s a huge achievement for the charity”. He trained in veterinary sciences in Lyons, France, before returning to Morocco to gain his PhD.

According to their statistics, 12,000 children and their teachers visit the SPANA education programme at Sidi Bou Ghaba nature reserve to learn about animals in their natural environment. The organization also provides veterinary care, make projects, actions and setting clinics along the country.

SPANA is not the one organization working in Morocco, among PETA or World Animal Protection Program. That’s an evidence that even if the country still needs to pay more attention to illegal and cruel actions made towards animals, Morocco is trying to find the way to solve the problem, by teaching and explaining. Youth that is participating in workshops with organizations like SPANA is meant to help finding new solutions and make others understand the issue. They are hope to ensure a better future of Moroccan animals.


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