London, Aug 12 (ANI): Former 007 star Pierce Brosnan has appealed to the Japanese officials to ban the slaughter of dolphins and porpoises in the country for meat.

The Irish actor, a longtime environmental campaigner, was moved by the work of a group of investigative journalists who have documented the killing of dolphins in Japan in new film The Cove.

While writing on his official website, the 56-year-old 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.

“We have long been passionate about marine mammal protection. After watching The Cove, we were astonished to discover that more 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,” the Daily Express quoted Brosnan as saying on his website along with wife Keely.

“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,” they added. (ANI)