Morocco — a middle-income country with a large agricultural sector, growing tourism industry, and significant working animal population — is one of North Africa's most active countries for animal welfare reform. This page examines the current landscape and trajectory.
Morocco's primary animal welfare provision dates to 1969 and covers basic anti-cruelty provisions primarily for companion animals. A revised Animal Protection Bill has been discussed in Moroccan Parliament for several years. The bill would modernize standards, increase penalties, and extend coverage to farm animals. Islamic principles of animal welfare (rahma — mercy toward animals) are commonly cited by advocates as cultural foundation for reform.
Morocco has a large population of working horses, donkeys, and mules — particularly in rural areas, the High Atlas mountains, and cities like Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen where motorized transport cannot access medina streets. Working equines are central to livelihoods for tens of thousands of rural families.
The Brooke Hospital for Animals Morocco operates in several cities and rural areas, providing free veterinary treatment and owner education. They have reached hundreds of thousands of working animals. The tourism industry — particularly donkey rides — is a focus of welfare campaigns, with some operators now offering weight limits and welfare-certified experiences.
Morocco has a large stray dog population, particularly visible in tourist cities. Municipal responses have historically included mass culling — generating significant controversy, particularly when filmed near tourist areas. Growing pressure from tourism industry, animal welfare NGOs, and EU partnerships has prompted some municipalities to pilot vaccination and sterilization programs.
SPA Maroc (Société Protectrice des Animaux) and other local NGOs run TNR programs in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. The Royal SPCA Morocco provides sheltering and advocacy. Rabies vaccination programs supported by international organizations are increasingly framed as an alternative to culling.
Morocco's livestock sector is primarily smallholder and pastoral. Sheep and goats are raised extensively; cattle farming is more intensive near cities. Key welfare issues include:
Tourism — ~13% of Morocco's GDP — creates both welfare problems and welfare opportunities. Elephant rides, monkey photo props, and donkey overloading have been documented in tourist areas. International tourist expectations increasingly include animal welfare considerations.
The World Animal Protection campaign for wildlife-friendly tourism has identified Morocco as a priority country. Several major tour operators (including TUI and Thomas Cook) now include animal welfare guidelines for Morocco in their supplier standards.
Morocco hosts Barbary macaques (the only wild primates in Africa outside sub-Saharan Africa), Mediterranean monk seals, migratory birds, and Saharan desert species. Key concerns:
Morocco has signed CITES and has national protected area legislation, but enforcement is inconsistent.