Morocco enforces ban on female sheep, goat slaughter to address livestock crisis

MOROCCO – The Moroccan government has imposed an immediate ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats in response to a severe livestock crisis, a measure that will remain in place until March 2026. 

The restriction, jointly announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to stabilise herd numbers and support the struggling livestock sector.

The decision was detailed in a circular issued on March 19 to local authorities, regional agricultural directors, and the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA). 

Authorities emphasise that the ban is essential for rebuilding Morocco’s livestock population, which has declined by 38% since 2016 due to persistent drought and rising animal feed prices.

Prolonged drought has severely affected Morocco’s livestock industry, leading to pasture depletion and soaring feed costs. A recent livestock census confirmed a significant decline in herd numbers, putting immense pressure on local farmers. 

As a result, the government has taken multiple steps to conserve remaining livestock and ensure long-term sustainability.

In February, authorities announced the suspension of the Eid al-Adha sacrifice for 2025. The annual tradition, which typically sees the slaughter of five to eight million sheep and goats, was deemed unsustainable, given the sharp drop in livestock numbers. 

King Mohammed VI called on citizens to refrain from the practice, reinforcing the government’s conservation efforts.

With domestic production struggling to meet demand, Morocco is turning to imports to address meat shortages. As part of its 2025 budget plan, the government has authorised the import of 720,000 sheep and goats to supplement local supply. 

Additionally, Morocco has expanded its sourcing options, recently adding Australia to its list of live animal suppliers.

According to official data, Morocco’s livestock population is projected to reach 8.6 million heads by 2026, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 0.8% since 1966. 

Despite these projections, the country ranked 49th globally in 2021, trailing behind nations such as Thailand, Brazil, India, and the United States in livestock numbers.

This is not the first time Morocco has implemented such restrictions. A similar ban was enforced in 1996 under King Hassan II amid comparable drought conditions. 

Authorities are now employing a range of measures, including tax exemptions and subsidies for meat imports, to mitigate supply shortages and curb rising prices.

Morocco has one of Africa’s highest per capita red meat consumption rates, averaging 17 kilograms annually. With the drought showing no signs of easing, the government continues prioritising conservation policies to rebuild herd numbers and secure the nation’s meat supply.

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