Compassionate activists from Lady Freethinker, In Defense of Animals, Animal Save Movement, SPCA International, Stray Dog Support, and the IAWPC — a coalition representing over 80 organizations worldwide — came together throughout the month of June at various FIFA World Cup matches to protest the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
As the world’s soccer elite and their dedicated fans gathered at stadiums across North America, they encountered protesters who were unrelentingly sharing the hard truth that the next World Cup is being sullied by extreme cruelty in co-host nation Morocco.
At the center of the controversy, an estimated 3 million dogs in Morocco have been shot, poisoned, caught and killed. Since December 2024, when Morocco was ratified as a co-host alongside Portugal and Spain, the effort to “cleanse the streets” by slaughtering dogs has increased dramatically and continues to this day. Estimates now indicate that up to 500,000 dogs are being killed annually. If this is allowed to continue until the 2030 World Cup, millions more could meet the same fate.
To put pressure on both FIFA and the Moroccan government, our coalition of activists took to the streets. During high profile matches in Los Angeles and Toronto, peaceful demonstrators were speaking up and handing out hundreds of leaflets to people who were eager to learn how they can help protect dogs worldwide.
Courtesy of SPCA International
Additionally, mobile billboard trucks circled World Cup stadiums in New Jersey and Boston, making sure thousands of drivers saw the message that this cruelty must be stopped.
“Slaughtering millions of dogs in the name of soccer, the world’s most popular sport, is a disgrace,” said Lady Freethinker Founder and President Nina Jackel. “FIFA and Morocco must change course to avoid perpetuating a bad reputation among fans. They should work together to save face by ensuring the safety of these animals.”
“The demonstration during the Los Angeles FIFA Fan Festival was a reminder that the world is watching,” said Lori Kalef, Director of Programs at SPCA International. “The FIFA World Cup should be remembered for bringing people together, not for the needless suffering of animals. We urge FIFA to use its influence to support humane, proven solutions that protect both communities and street dogs. Compassion is not only the right choice, but it’s also the most effective one.”
The extermination of Morocco’s dogs needs to end. If you haven’t already, please sign and share our petition to demand an end to the killing of Morocco’s stray dogs.
SIGN: Help Stop the Horrifying Extermination of Stray Dogs in Morocco
