Morocco enforces ban on female sheep, goat slaughter until 2026 due to meat, livestock crisis
The government is doing so to protect livestock amid prolonged drought.
MOROCCO – The Moroccan government has issued an immediate ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats, a measure that will remain in place until March 2026.
The decision, jointly announced by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture, was outlined in a circular sent to local authorities, agricultural directors, and the head of the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) on March 19.
Officials say the restriction aims to stabilize livestock numbers and regulate herd repopulation, especially as Morocco’s farming sector struggles with the effects of prolonged drought.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to sustain local livestock farming, which has been severely impacted by high animal feed prices and dwindling pastures.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Morocco’s cattle and sheep population has shrunk by 38% since 2016.
A livestock census conducted in early 2025 confirmed a significant decline, with farmers struggling to maintain herds due to rising costs and limited grazing land.
In February, authorities had already announced the suspension of the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice in 2025.
The practice, which involves the slaughter of five to eight million sheep and goats annually, was deemed unsustainable given the sharp drop in livestock numbers.
King Mohammed VI urged Moroccans to forego the ritual, which is central to the holiday set for June 6.
With domestic livestock supplies under pressure, Morocco is increasingly relying on imports to meet red meat demand.
As part of its 2025 budget plan, the government has authorized the import of 720,000 sheep and goats to supplement local production.
Expanding Import Sources
To ensure stable meat supply, authorities have widened sourcing options, including a recent decision to import live animals from Australia.
This marks a shift in Morocco’s livestock procurement strategy, which has traditionally relied on closer suppliers.
The current measures mirror restrictions imposed in 1996 under King Hassan II, when similar drought conditions forced authorities to curb livestock slaughter.
With no significant improvement in rainfall, Morocco faces continued challenges in rebuilding its herds, and conservation policies remain at the center of the government’s response to the crisis.
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