Britney Spears' PETA Circus

Dec 9, 2008, 9:45 GMT

Animal rights activists are upset with Britney. (L-R) Comedian Adam Carolla, singer Britney Spears, Councilwoman Jan Perry and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with USC football head coach Pete Carroll light the tree on stage at the \'Light of the Angels\' Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at LA Live in Los Angeles, California, USA, 04 December 2008. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT

Britney Spears has been accused of violating animal rights.

The 27-year-old singer has come under fire from campaigners People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who have slammed her use of caged elephants in the video for her new single 'Circus'.

A PETA statement said: "As Britney is such a victim of the paparazzi and always complaining and crying about how she hates to be held up in her guarded house and can't feel free, she of all people should be able to relate to the horror that captive animals go through when they're used for entertainment.

"Animals are ripped away from their mothers at a young age, kept in chains and prodded with electric shock devices to make them perform."

Britney has yet to comment on the allegations.

Meanwhile, it has been claimed backing dancers due to take part in Britney's upcoming world tour have been asked to take drug tests.

The star's aides are reportedly keen to ensure her comeback remains trouble-free and want to keep her away from negative influences.

A source told E! News: "All backing dancers had to be drug tested and, if they didn't pass, they were fired. I think they only do it for her because she is under strict watch. I think they just want good influences around her."

Britney suffered a public breakdown earlier this year which resulted in her losing custody of her two children - Sean Preston, three, and Jayden James, two - and her father Jamie being made co-conservator of her estate.