Morocco implements new law for stray animal protection

Morocco has implemented Law No. 19.25, a new legal framework designed to manage stray animals and protect animal welfare while preventing health risks. The legislation, which entered into force on August 14, aims to replace localized, sporadic interventions with a unified national institutional system.

Under the new law, pet owners face strict obligations, including registering their animals, assigning them identification numbers, and maintaining health records. Failure to declare an animal can result in fines between 5,000 and 15,000 dirhams. Deliberately exposing an animal to danger may lead to one to three months of imprisonment and additional fines. Furthermore, those found guilty of intentionally killing, torturing, or mistreating stray animals face two to six months in prison and fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 dirhams.

The law also regulates the establishment of animal shelters; creating a center for stray animals without proper authorization can incur fines of up to 500,000 dirhams. This legislative move comes amid international scrutiny regarding the treatment of stray dogs in Morocco, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.