Hollywood actor John Cusack has branded Morocco’s mass killing of street dogs “evil”, becoming the latest high-profile star to condemn the country’s treatment of free-roaming animals ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The High Fidelity star shared a hard-hitting New York Times investigation into the killings with his millions of followers, adding his voice to a growing chorus of public figures speaking out, including Hulk star Mark Ruffalo, Dr Jane Goodall and Sharon Osbourne.

His intervention has sent fresh shockwaves through the global football community and reignited calls for urgent reform, amid allegations that dogs are being shot, poisoned and violently removed from the streets in a bid to “clean up” host cities ahead of tournaments.

At the centre of the international outcry is the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC), a global alliance of more than 80 animal protection organisations campaigning for an end to the killing. The Coalition is urging the Moroccan government to replace mass culling, which campaigners say is inhumane, ineffective and in breach of the country’s own animal welfare commitments, with a nationwide Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) programme.

Les Ward MBE, Chairman of the IAWPC, said celebrity backing can be transformative for those working on the ground.

“When someone of John Cusack’s stature speaks out, people listen and it tells the world that what is happening to these dogs matters. For the people of Morocco it means everything to know that their struggle is seen beyond their borders.”

He added that global attention offers both protection and hope.

“Those on the ground often feel isolated and overwhelmed. When high-profile voices shine a light on the situation, it gives them strength and reassures them that they are not alone. It also sends a clear message to decision-makers that the world is watching. No longer is every animal life needlessly taken by the authorities in Morocco a forgotten statistic. Instead, their deaths have become a rallying cry for more worldwide condemnation and opposition.”

The IAWPC campaign has drawn support from a growing list of public figures, politicians and animal welfare experts who argue that hosting prestigious sporting events should not come at the expense of animal welfare. Campaigners insist they are not calling for boycotts but for reform, urging Moroccan authorities to work with international experts to protect both public health and animal welfare.

For more information, visit www.iawpc.org