Billie Piper praised by PETA following animal abuse admission

Billie Piper has been praised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for expressing her remorse over abusing animals as a child.

The Love Life actress told The Guardian that she regretted the phase, naming it as the thing she would edit from her past if possible.

Piper explained: "[I'd erase] my throwing animals phase. I used to pick up animals on the street and launch them as far as I could."

PETA applauded the actress for raising awareness of an issue which they believe could lead to escalating violent behaviour if not immediately addressed.

A spokesperson for the organisation told WENN: "PETA is very happy to hear that Ms Piper regrets the casual cruelty that she perpetrated against animals when she was a child - that's the difference between a person with the real potential to be kind and someone who denies wrongdoing, takes pleasure in it and escalates the damaging behaviour.

"Psychiatrists and sociologists can attest that in cases where animal abusers do not regret their ill deeds, they often 'graduate' to committing violent acts against human beings - unless someone intervenes to change their path.

"We will be asking Ms Piper to be a spokesperson for our campaign to sensitise children, parents and teachers to the need to develop compassion in childhood through humane education training in schools and at home."

Piper recently announced that she and husband Laurence Fox are expecting their second child.