Britney Spears faces dog custody battle

Troubled pop star Britney Spears is already having a tough time after losing custody of her two children to ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Now animal rights activists want her to relinquish custody of her prized pooch, which she totes around as a fashion accessory to nightclubs and shopping malls.

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has written to Federline encouraging him to pursue custody of Spears' pets, including a Yorkshire terrier puppy named London.

In an open letter to Federline, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said Britney's animal care-taking skills had been "a serious concern of ours", in addition to being a source of public criticism. PETA fears that Britney is abusing her dogs.

PETA also believes the dogs should be with Spears' sons Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, as they adjust to life with Federline.

"As a father, your main concern is the comfort and stability of your children," Ms Newkirk wrote to Federline.

"London and the other animals whom the boys consider to be a part of the family have provided that comfort and stability. The companionship of beloved companion animals can make a world of difference for the boys during this difficult time, and being separated from the animal friends whom they share a bond with is undoubtedly traumatic for them."

In 2006, Spears was "the overwhelming choice" for worst celebrity dog owner in a poll conducted by The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines.

Last week a judge ordered Spears to turn over custody of her sons and that Federline "retain physical custody ... until further notice of the court".

The ruling came 10 days after Spears, who recently staged a much-ridiculed attempt to re-launch her career at the MTV video music awards in Las Vegas, was charged with a hit and run accident and driving without a valid licence.

It also followed claims by a bodyguard who worked for the singer after she was released from a rehabilitation facility in March that she was still using drugs and posed a danger to her children.

Via telegraph