Anti-vivisectionists blast project

Animal rights activists have slammed Steve Coogan's new comedy for making light of vivisection.

His new animated series, I Am Not An Animal, shows lab animals living a pampered life before being liberated by campaigners.

The released creatures then find it difficult to adapt to life in their natural habitat.

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisectios branded the show crass and irresponsible.

BUAV's campaigns director, Wendy Higgins, told MediaGuardian: "We have strongly urged Steve to think again, terminate the project immediately and concentrate his considerable talents on a more worthy project.

"Obviously I will wait to see the show, but I don't think it is going to make any serious contribution to the debate.

"To portray the lives of lab animals as anything other than a living torture would not only be deeply crass but also irresponsible.

A spokesman for Coogan's Brighton-based production company Baby Cow said: "We are confident that once people see the show for themselves, neither the viewers nor interested parties will be offended."

Other voices in the show, written by Peter Baynham, will be provided by Human Remains star Julia Davis, Big Train's Kevin Eldon, and Father Ted writer Arthur Mathews.

Published: 15 Oct 2002