We are asking the BBC to cover the annual dolphin killings and captures in Taiji.

Though the vast majority of the public know nothing about it, every year from September to March, an annual slaughter of dolphins and small whales takes place in what has become known as The Cove, in Taiji, Japan.

After the fishermen have rounded up passing dolphins, they chase them into the cove and trap them there with nets. Once there, dolphin trainers select the youngest and prettiest for a life of captivity, to be ripped from their families and sold to marine parks the world over as performing animals, or to take part in "Swim with Dolphin" programs. Once they are removed, the rest of the dolphins are slaughtered for their meat - despite the dwindling demand for dolphin meat in Japan, and despite the fact that the meat contains high levels of mercury, bringing into question the safety of its consumption.

The highly controversial captures and killings are again getting under way this year, and we would like to see the media give it some coverage so the public can learn about the annual slaughter, and the ugly truth behind dolphin shows.

Please sign this petition to show the BBC that you would be interested to see a news story on the Taiji Dolphin Hunt.