New York - A toy company has been accused of cruelty for selling a car driven by a caged insect.
Bug Racer has been condemned as the “worst toy idea ever” because of the way it treats crickets.
Animal rights group Peta said it was ‘as cruel as it is ridiculous’ and demanded its withdrawal.
The toy was developed by Toy Box - part of Barbie-maker Mattel - and costs $30 (about R350) in the US.
Crickets are not included.
Four batteries are needed to power the car, although Mattel says that it is the first vehicle powered by “eleCrickety”.
The instructions say that up to five insects can be placed in a module which slides into the top of the car.
Facebook users were unimpressed. Merrica Forsaith-Smith wrote: “Surely this has to be the worst toy idea ever?”
Lyn Brown wrote: “Will the next ‘toy’ pull wings off butterflies?”
Mattel did not comment, but Toy Box executive vice president Susie Lecker told the New York Times the gadget was humane, adding: “We haven’t lost a cricket behind the wheel yet.”
Daily Mail