Man Dies After Pit Bull Attack in Tangier, Renews Dog Law Debate

Rabat – A man has died after being attacked by a pit bull in the northern city of Tangier, according to local reports. The victim was found dead with severe bite marks on his body. 

Initial findings confirm that the death was due to the dog attack. However, details about how the attack happened are still unclear.

According to statements from the victim’s family on social media, the man had been receiving treatment for epilepsy. They said he may have missed his medication, which could have caused dizziness and led to a fall in the garden of his home. 

The family believes that the dog, a pit bull previously adopted by the victim, attacked him while he was in this vulnerable state.

The incident has brought renewed attention to Morocco’s legal framework on dangerous dogs. Under Law 56.12 and its implementing decree No. 2.18.456, adopted in 2018, several dog breeds are classified as dangerous and are subject to strict regulation. 

The list includes breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiffs, and Tosa dogs. Ownership, breeding, sale, or import of these breeds is prohibited. 

Violators can face prison sentences ranging from two to six months and fines between MAD 5,000 and 20,000 (500 and 2,000 USD), or both. Penalties are increased if a dog attack leads to serious injury or death.

In addition, the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) previously confirmed in 2021 that importing these breeds into Morocco is banned.

Read also: Stray Dogs: Genuine Concern or Political Agenda Behind Western Criticism of Morocco?

Beyond this specific case, the incident has also reignited a broader and ongoing debate over stray dogs in Morocco. 

“It’s very sad to notice that people have more empathy towards dogs and less or none towards the victim, RIP. They are worried about the future of those killing dogs and not about the end of the life of the owner. We can’t love dogs over our species,” a social media user said.

Other commenters noted the importance of exercising caution when dealing with certain breeds. “Taking on two pit bulls—whether for breeding or show—comes with serious responsibility. They need proper training, understanding, and respect, not encouragement toward aggression,” another user said.

Animal rights activists have repeatedly accused authorities of killing stray dogs, especially as the country prepares to host major international sporting events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Several organizations and campaigners claim that Morocco is carrying out large-scale culling campaigns to reduce the number of stray animals in urban areas. They argue that these practices are “inhumane” and call for alternative solutions such as sterilization and vaccination programs.

Moroccan authorities, however, have denied allegations of systematic killings. Officials say the country has adopted a “Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release” (TNVR) approach, which aims to control the stray dog population in a more humane and sustainable way. They also state that public safety remains a priority, particularly following incidents involving aggressive or uncontrolled dogs.

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