PETA slams Spears's 'Circus' video

Animal rights group PETA has slammed Britney Spears for using tamed lions and elephants in the music video for her latest single.

The promo for 'Circus' features the singer in the role of "ringleader" surrounded by the animals as she dances.

PETA Director Debbie Leahy said: "Britney may think her life is a circus, but for the animals who are whipped, chained, and beaten to perform under the real big top, the cruelty is very real."

The group released a statement claiming that Spears continued with the video despite PETA explaining to her "in graphic detail how trainers shock, whip and beat exotic animals into performing".

Spears came under fire from PETA in 2001 when she danced on stage with a yellow python at the MTV Video Music Awards.