Oliver criticised for castrating bull

Jamie Oliver has been criticised by animal rights groups for castrating a bull.

According to The People, the celebrity chef is seen holding down the animal in an upcoming episode of Jamie's American Road Trip.

Andrew Taylor, the director of Animal Aid, said: "The public is convinced Jamie Oliver is the real deal but hopefully this barbaric act will open their eyes to the fact he is a phoney when it comes to animal welfare.

"He pretends he cares about animals but this makes an utter mockery of that. Castrating cattle in this way is vicious and grotesque and he's giving credibility to an ugly trade.

"If he thinks this is good primetime TV he has been duped."

Phil Brooke, from Compassion In World Farming, agreed: "Jamie Oliver is taking part in something that's not only cruel but is also illegal in this country. If he is screening it to condemn it then I can understand why it would be shown.

"But if castration is just shown for the sake of it then it is cruel and utterly unacceptable TV."

However, Oliver's spokesperson explained: "Jamie is on his American road trip to observe and to learn and to show the viewing public some parts of America they might not know about.

"Jamie is well-known for his championing of better welfare for animals and has had awards from many animal welfare groups."