Stray animals in Morocco: charities call for a clear framework

Stray animals in Morocco: In Morocco, the coming into force of Law 19.25 on the protection of stray animals marks a new phase. Animal welfare organisations are already calling for clearer guidelines on the feeding and care of these animals.

Stray animals in Morocco: a long-awaited law, but deemed incomplete

Law No. 19.25, published in the Official Gazette No. 7533 of 10 August 2026, establishes for the first time a comprehensive framework for the protection and care of stray animals.

Charities are welcoming this legislation with caution. They welcome the existence of a legal basis but believe that several points remain unclear.

In their view, everything will hinge on the implementing regulations. Without detailed rules, local authorities, members of the public and volunteers risk interpreting the same situations differently.

What animal welfare organisations are calling for

For the organisations involved, the success of the law will depend on its ability to reconcile several objectives:

• protecting citizens and ensuring safety in public spaces;
• preserving the urban and rural environment;
• ensuring the protection of stray animals.

Zineb Takan, chair of the Erham Association for Animal and Environmental Protection, emphasises the need for ‘clear, precise and enforceable’ provisions to avoid differing interpretations.

In particular, she calls for clarification of Articles 5 and 44, which are considered crucial for regulating operations on the ground.

Feeding, care, rescue: grey areas to be clarified

The organisations stress that Law 19.25 remains too vague on the everyday actions that many Moroccans take towards stray animals.

They are seeking clarification on several sensitive points:

• in which situations taking a stray animal into one’s care may be considered an offence;
• how to regulate the organised feeding of stray animals in public spaces;
• under what conditions a member of the public or an organisation may treat, take in or transport a sick, injured or endangered animal;
• what exact role is recognised for organisations and volunteers in the day-to-day management of stray animals.

For Zineb Takan, a member of the public should not hesitate to rescue an animal in distress for fear of breaking the law.

Charities are therefore calling for a reassuring legal framework that protects people, local authorities and animals alike.

A practical issue affecting everyday life in Morocco

The issue of stray animals in Morocco directly affects everyday life – in neighbourhoods, villages and tourist areas.

For families visiting or returning home, the presence of dogs and… stray cats in public spaces raises concerns regarding both public health and animal welfare.

By swiftly clarifying the rules on feeding, care and rescue, the authorities could provide a clear framework for residents, organisations and visitors, whilst reducing tensions surrounding stray animals in Morocco.

Charities now hope to be fully involved in drafting the implementing regulations, in order to put the balance sought by the new law into practice on the ground.

First, the authorities are gradually setting out the relevant points in detail. Next, readers can then identify the practical implications.

First, the authorities are gradually setting out the relevant points in detail. Readers can then identify the practical implications.

For further information, see our latest Canal212 news for Moroccans living abroad (MREs).

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