Family flees Morocco after cruel dog slaughter impacts young girl

In Morocco, a mother named Louise Smith decided to relocate her family back to Edinburgh after traumatic experiences involving the slaughter of their pet dogs. The family, originally from Edinburgh, had been living in Marrakesh, where they cared for street dogs for several years. Louise's six-year-old daughter, Salma, witnessed the horrifying moment when her beloved dog Bingo was taken away by dog catchers. The capturing of pets and the brutal methods used against stray dogs, including beating and poisoning, left a lasting emotional impact on the family. Louise described the situation as increasingly dire as authorities had started aggressively culling street dogs due to an upcoming event, the 2030 World Cup, which led to widespread protests and advocacy against such cruel practices. In an emotional recount, Louise shared how the dog catchers routinely seized their dogs. Initially, they managed to retrieve their pets through bribes to officials, adding to the stress and anxiety of their situation. However, the ultimate trauma occurred when Bingo was taken, causing Salma to cry out desperately, which made Louise realize that their wellbeing was at risk. The family had previously nurtured stray dogs, tagging and sterilizing them to ensure their health, but were met with indifference from authorities who were solely focused on killing. Louise and Salma's return to Edinburgh was marked not only by the loss of their dogs but also an ongoing sense of grief for the pets they had to leave behind. The family continues to advocate against the inhumane culling of dogs in Morocco and sends food back to the stray dogs still living in their old neighborhood as a way of coping with their loss. Louise highlights the broader implications this brutality may have on children who witness such violence, urging organizations like FIFA to intervene and enforce humane treatment of animals as part of their commitments in hosting international events. This distressing personal story unfolds against the backdrop of a much-larger issue in Morocco as advocates call for changes to how the dog population is managed, illustrating a conflict between animal welfare and government actions intended to clean up the streets for a significant international event. Louise hopes that her experience will promote awareness and urge international bodies to reconsider their stance on animal control methods in the region, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of dogs for the sake of both animals and children witnessing these tragic events.