Animal rights group Peta said the toy was "as cruel as it is ridiculous". Photo / Getty
Animal rights group Peta said the toy was "as cruel as it is ridiculous". Photo / Getty
A toy company has been accused of cruelty for selling a car driven by a caged insect.
Bug Racer was condemned as the "worst toy idea ever" because of the way it treats crickets.
Their nocturnal habits will be disturbed as children as young as six goad them into touchingsensors in their plastic "living modules" to steer the car.
Animal rights group Peta said it was "as cruel as it is ridiculous" and demanded its withdrawal.
Lyn Brown wrote: "Will the next "toy" pull wings off butterflies?"
It is not clear whether Mattel will sell the Bug Racer in the UK, although it can be imported.
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."