Pierce Brosnan is urging officials in Japan to end the slaughter of dolphins and porpoises in the country - condemning the practise of killing sea mammals for meat.
The Irish actor and former james Bond star, a longtime environmental campaigner, has praised the work of a group of investigative journalists who have documented the killing of dolphins in Japan in new film The Cove.
Brosnan admits he was shocked and appalled to see the real life cruelty onscreen - and is urging members of the public to petition American leaders in a bid to stop the slaughter in Japan.
He writes on his official website, with his wife Keely, "We have long been passionate about marine mammal protection.
"After watching The Cove, we were astonished to discover that more than than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises are slaughtered in Japan each year, and that their meat - which contains toxic levels of mercury - is sold to consumers and in grocery stores across Japan.
"Without this kind of investigative journalism, the plight of dolphins and the safety of some of Japan’s seafood may not have been adequately reported.
"This powerful and moving film is an urgent cry for help - and now that the public finally knows the truth, we must demand change."
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