Morocco is an unforgettable adventure and colorful experience. It’s an exciting place to visit, however, it’s also challenging. Animal abuse in Morocco is common throughout the country and it’s upsetting to see. But there’s something tourists can do to help.
As I walked through the famed Medina of Marrakech for the first time I screamed. A man had tied a rope around the tongue of his donkey and was literally dragging it through the streets. The donkey was trying to fight what the man was doing and dug his heels in the dirt. But that only annoyed him more and he yanked the rope harder.
Medina of Marrakech Photo by: Heather Newgen
I yelled at the man to “stop” and to untie the animal. Unfazed by my shock, he glared at me and kept going. I stood in silence for minutes and cried as I unsuccessfully tried to get the image out of my head. A boy from a nearby shop ran out to apologize and said,” We tell him all the time not to do that, however he doesn’t listen or care.”
I was saddened and outraged. This wasn’t the first time I’d seen animal abuse in Morocco. This was my third time visiting the beautiful country and unfortunately I’d witnessed cruelty like this before.
As I continued walking I saw others excessively whip their sickly looking donkeys. I saw people make them pull heavy carts overloaded with materials, while others forced theirs to stand in the beating sun without water. It was crushing.
When I finally got to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square of Marrakech, I was shaking. And unfortunately that wasn’t the end of the animal abuse in Morocco I was exposed to. There were snake charmers and monkeys with a tight chain around their neck. They were dragged around like toys. Why? So tourists can take photos with them. As a result, owners continue the gross mistreatment of the animals because tourists keep paying them.
To be clear, if you take a selfie with these animals you’re supporting animal cruelty. Of course not everyone abuses their animals. Many treat them like family. But many also view working animals like donkeys and camels as just that–a way to earn an income and nothing more. However, there is an organization called SPANA that tries to improves the lives and welfare of the animals through education and training. They also provide free medical treatment to the animals.
While animal abuse in Morocco is jarring to see, there’s something travelers can do to help. Please watch the vlog for helpful tips.