A group of activists gathered in San Francisco’s Union Square on Saturday to protest animal cruelty months after a dog was brutally killed on the streets of China – sparking outrage in animal lovers around the world. 

The peaceful demonstration honored the stray dog Wang Wang and her puppies, who were allegedly beaten and burned on June 28 by a group of young boys in Jieyang, China, according to videos circulating online. The boys reportedly recorded the graphic attack and posted the footage – garnering international attention – but China’s government has since censored the content.

“One of the most significant movements for animals in China in recent years, sparked by the tragic death of Wang Wang, is now spreading around the world,” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, known as PETA, posted July 27 on X. “Their message is clear: animal cruelty should not only be condemned, but it should also be published under the law.” 

Saturday’s protest at the corner of Powell and Geary streets adds San Francisco to a list of rallies across the globe, including London, Sydney and New York City, that are calling for stronger protections against severe animal cruelty. Participants flashed “Justice for Wang Wang” signs and distributed flyers to passerbys in Union Square. 

The four boys – all younger than 14 – will be sent to special schools for behavior correction but not prosecuted, ABC News reported. China lacks comprehensive animal cruelty laws that criminalize abuse against pets, livestock or stray animals.

Organizers behind the three-hour Union Square demonstration plan to hold a second protest Friday in front of the Chinese Consulate at the corner of Geary Boulevard and Laguna Street in San Francisco’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood. 

“The demonstrations are supposed to be peaceful public awareness events,” the group wrote on the event flyer. “Adovcates hope that San Francisco’s international visibility and significant ties to the Chinese and Chinese-American communities will help bring wider attention to the case.” 

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This article originally published at S.F. activists join global fight for stronger animal abuse protections in China.