PHILADELPHIA (June 19, 2025) — Demonstrators from nine groups gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 18 to protest Morocco’s brutal campaign to exterminate up to 3 million street dogs. The peaceful protest — organized by In Defense of Animals, Lady Freethinker, Mobilization for Animals PA, Revolution Philadelphia, and allies — was held at a FIFA Club World Cup match between British club Manchester City and Morocco’s Wydad AC.

During the match, two animal advocates ran onto the pitch holding signs and wearing T-shirts reading “Morocco: End the Stray Dog Massacre,” bringing global attention to the country’s brutal dog killing campaign.

These acts of protest highlight the growing international outrage over Morocco’s mass killing of stray dogs in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.

VIEW IMAGES & VIDEO: https://bit.ly/MoroccoPhilly

“Morocco is waging a war on dogs — and on the women who dare to protect them,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director for In Defense of Animals. “Instead of partnering with local rescuers and accepting help from international rescue organizations, Morocco’s government is continuing its campaign of violence and propaganda. Animal rescuers face beatings, threats, and intimidation, while children are being psychologically scarred from witnessing the killings of their companions. FIFA has ample proof and we’re urging them to call foul and force the Moroccan government to comply with its ethical obligations as a host nation.”

“Dogs are loyal, sensitive animals who deserve better than to suffer violent deaths in the streets just to present a certain image,” said Nina Jackel, Founder of Lady Freethinker. “The Moroccan government must do the right thing and end the killing at once. We’re calling on FIFA and its global partners to demand truth and compassion — not brutality masked as progress.”

“Philadelphia stands for compassion and justice,” said Katay Lezenby of Mobilization for Animals PA. “As FIFA comes to our city, we’re rising up in solidarity with the Moroccan people who love animals and are risking their lives to protect them. The cruelty must stop, and FIFA must stop turning a blind eye.”

“We cannot remain silent while atrocities are carried out in our name as football fans,” added Carol Lutter of Revolution Philadelphia. “This protest is our way of saying loud and clear: World Cup games should not be soaked in blood. There is no honor in hosting a tournament built on lies, violence, and state-sponsored animal abuse.”

Despite Morocco’s claims that the killings stopped in August 2024, evidence from the International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) and local sources shows the violence has continued — and even intensified.

Videos show dogs being clamped by the neck, poisoned, shot, and dumped in mass graves — often in front of children. The emotional toll on minors is profound and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child — to which Moroccoo is a signatory — recognizes that witnessing such violence causes lasting trauma and violates children’s rights.

Actor Ricky Gervais tweeted a news report in The Sun that exposed Morocco’s gruesome campaign, while Dr. Jane Goodall wrote a letter to FIFA. Downton Abbey star Peter Egan made a video statement condemning Morocco and FIFA.

Over 60,000 people have signed letters to FIFA and Moroccan officials penned by In Defense of Animals and Lady Freethinker.

Members of the public are urged to take action by signing:

www.idausa.org/morocco

ladyfreethinker.org/sign-help-stop-the-horrifying-extermination-of-stray-dogs-in-morocco

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CONTACTS

Carol Lutter luttca1@yahoo.com (610) 322 3154
Fleur Dawes fleur@idausa.org (415) 879 6879

GRAPHIC VIDEO & IMAGES: https://bit.ly/MoroccoDogSlaughter

RALLY IMAGES & VIDEO: https://bit.ly/MoroccoPhilly

TAKE ACTION: 

www.idausa.org/morocco

https://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-help-stop-the-horrifying-extermination-of-stray-dogs-in-morocco

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and Mississippi.

The International Animal Coalition (IAWPC) comprises 20 respected international animal welfare and veterinary organizations that collaborate to respond to major animal protection crises worldwide.

Lady Freethinker is an international nonprofit working to end animal suffering. LFT gives a voice to those who cannot speak out for themselves and effects meaningful, lasting change through investigative reporting and other media, citizen petitions, and partnerships with rescuers and activists on the ground worldwide. Together, we are changing the way the world sees and treats animals for the better.

Mobilization for Animals PA is a local non-profit organization educating the public about ethical, health, and environmental issues surrounding our treatment of nonhuman animals.

Revolution Philadelphia is a grassroots, women-led animal rights organization based in Pennsylvania, committed to ending all forms of animal exploitation through non-violent direct action, education, outreach, and policy advocacy. Rooted in veganism and anti-speciesism, the group envisions a world where all sentient beings are treated with respect and never viewed as commodities.

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