A Moroccan social media influencer has been imprisoned after authorities say he published a video showing the killing, butchering, cooking, and eating of a stray dog during the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha, triggering widespread public anger and legal proceedings. The content, which circulated on YouTube before being removed, has led to accusations of religious offense and animal cruelty against 26-year-old Ayub ben Nesnes, a creator with more than 2.2 million followers.
Ben Nesnes is being held in El Arjat prison on the outskirts of Rabat after the video was shared online, according to judicial and media accounts cited in the case. The footage reportedly depicted him preparing and cutting up the animal as part of what he described on camera as a “sacrifice of Eid el Adha,” before cooking and consuming the meat. The video was released during the religious festival held in late May. Authorities have accused him of “attacking the Islamic religion” and “mistreatment of animals,” while the creator has since attempted to delete traces of the content following public backlash.
The video reportedly gained more than 200,000 views before being taken down amid growing criticism online, with users describing the imagery as “repugnant.” Animal welfare groups and religious voices also reacted strongly. The Moroccan Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature stated that animal abuse “cannot be assimilated to a simple video for social networks.” Separately, Islamic preacher Hamza al Jalidi criticized the content, arguing that the animal was not intended for religious sacrifice and describing the depiction of dog meat consumption as religiously unacceptable.
Police located Ben Nesnes in the coastal town of Martil, approximately 50 kilometers south of Ceuta, after a search linked to allegations of insulting the Islamic religion and dismembering a dog. According to reports, he told officers he did not kill the animal himself. In his defense, he claimed he had been unable to carry out a traditional Eid sacrifice due to the high cost of sheep, noting that prices had increased significantly in markets, at times reaching levels that double the minimum monthly wage of around 300 euros in Morocco.
Animal rights activist Mohamed Amzian, president of the Association for the Protection of Stray Dogs in Mdiq, said the animal “was killed without any need,” and he is among those who filed complaints alleging incitement to consume dog meat and promotion of cruelty toward animals.
Estimates cited in discussions around the case suggest that approximately three million stray dogs live in Morocco. Since 2019, the country has participated in a Capture-Sterilization-Vaccination-Release program aimed at reducing stray dog populations while addressing health risks. However, the International Coalition for Animal Protection has reported what it describes as “horrible acts” against dogs in Morocco, alleging widespread cruelty in some instances.
Ben Nesnes has previously drawn attention online through provocative content, including videos showing him eating snakes and crocodiles. He also gained notoriety after infiltrating the Chafarinas Islands by swimming there, despite Spanish military control over the territory, later claiming to be the first Moroccan to reach the islands since nationalist figure Abdelkrim. His online profile has been shaped by content designed to attract attention through controversial stunts.
The case has generated significant public indignation in Morocco, where religious and traditional values remain central to public life. Authorities continue to examine the allegations as the influencer remains in custody, facing charges linked to both religious offense and animal cruelty.
