The shortcomings of the said convention according to the Humane Society of Morocco

Although skeptical, Moroccan animal protection associations and international organizations initially welcomed this famous convention, only to quickly realize that it was only an announcement effect rather than a real policy for resolving the problem. In fact, the convention has not been seriously developed and even less implemented.

1. Role of animal protection associations:
No one knows about street animals like animal protection associations. It was, therefore, essential to involve them as major stakeholders in the convention, rather than assigning them secondary or tertiary roles, such as simply providing funds and raising awareness about the TNVR program. Associations must have a major role and a right of oversight over the entire process of the TNVR operation, including budgets, dog catching, provisional detention structures, living conditions, hospitalization, dog release back to their original places, and monitoring of released animals. We also recommend setting up a national command center to implement and supervise this program.

2. Adequate infrastructure:
First, we need to clarify the terms, as the devil is in the details: pound, dispensary, и shelter are intentionally or unintentionally confused in the terminology used by the Ministry of the Interior and the media. That said, we recommend the construction of modern dispensaries in all cities in Morocco, dedicated solely to the TNVR operation.

It is crucial to finance the construction of shelters for dogs that cannot be released (dangerous, injured, etc.) and pounds that comply with international standards, intended only for lost, wandering, quarantined animals… as a temporary place of passage (less than 15 days), waiting to find their owner, be adopted or be placed in shelters. The current pounds are dilapidated and unsuitable structures dating from the time of the French Protectorate. Currently, a budget of 608 million dirhams ($60 Million) targets the creation of 76 municipal hygiene offices, the TNVR being only one component of this program), as well as the training of veterinarians in the latest spay/neuter techniques.

3. Animal Protection Law:
Gandhi said, «The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.»
The Moroccan legislator must adopt an innovative animal protection law aimed at combating the abuse, abandonment, and killing of animals, as well as a reform of the penal code to establish exemplary penalties against any offender. Animal owners must undertake to assume a certain number of duties and responsibilities towards the animal, but also towards this law.

4. Awareness campaign:
A national citizen awareness campaign on the TNVR program must be launched even before the start of the operation.

5. Transparency:
Total transparency is necessary for the entire TNVR operation, including budgets, resources, actions, and results.

Заключение

For the TNVR program to be a success and to effectively regulate the stray dog population in Morocco, it is imperative to reassess and correct the current deficiencies of the convention. The involvement of animal protection associations, clarification of terms and structures, improvement of infrastructure, prior awareness-raising, and total transparency are key elements to achieve this objective. Only an integrated and inclusive approach will put an end to animal suffering and address public health concerns sustainably and humanely.