TOKYO - Brian May, guitarist of British rock group Queen, is taking a stand against Japanese dolphin killing, saying the slaughter of animals should end in the same way society has turned against slavery or witch-burning.

May spoke with The Associated Press on Friday while in Tokyo for a Queen concert.

Protesting the dolphin hunts in the Japanese town of Taiji, documented in the Oscar-winning movie "The Cove," has become a cause for some celebrities, including Sting, Daryl Hannah and Matt Sorum.

Ric O'Barry, the dolphin trainer for the "Flipper" TV series, started the protests against the Taiji dolphin kills and starred in "The Cove."

May said he opposes cruelty toward all animals, including Britain's fox hunt and Spain's bull fights. He hopes more people will become aware of the dolphin hunts.