Proposed penalties in Morocco’s draft law on stray animals triggered heated debate among lawmakers Wednesday, exposing divisions over how far authorities should go in enforcing animal control measures.
During a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Commission of Productive Sectors, members discussed draft law 19.25 on the protection of stray animals and the prevention of risks they may pose to public safety.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari defended the inclusion of penal sanctions in the bill, arguing that they are necessary to achieve its objectives and protect citizens.
El Bouari said the provisions were developed in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. He also noted that Morocco’s Penal Code already provides for custodial sentences in certain cases under Articles 601, 602 and 603.
Several lawmakers, however, questioned the severity of the proposed sanctions.
Abdellatif Zaim of the Authenticity and Modernity Party argued against prison sentences, citing concerns over overcrowded prisons. He suggested that alternative measures, including higher fines and community service, could prove more effective.
Zaim also proposed what he described as a “proportional repair” approach, under which individuals found responsible for killing a stray animal would be required to finance the care and treatment of multiple animals rather than serve a jail sentence.
Other critics included Mehdi Alaoui of the Socialist group and Abdelaziz Lachehab of the Istiqlal group, who argued that some of the penalties are disproportionate. Lachehab specifically questioned provisions that could result in prison sentences of up to six months for killing a dog.
He also raised concerns about the practical enforcement of certain measures, including penalties for feeding stray animals in public spaces.
“How can such provisions be applied without penalizing ordinary behavior?” Lachehab asked, citing the example of a customer throwing food to a cat outside a café or restaurant.
Not all lawmakers opposed the stricter provisions.
Salwa El Bardaï of the Justice and Development Party defended penalties targeting the feeding of stray animals in public areas. She argued that regular feeding contributes to the growth and permanent presence of stray dog and cat populations in urban centers and should remain subject to sanctions.
The debate highlighted broader disagreements within Parliament between lawmakers who view strict penalties as necessary to ensure public safety and effective animal control, and those who believe some measures are excessive or difficult to implement in practice.
Discussions on the draft legislation are expected to continue as the bill advances through the legislative process.
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