Calling pub 'Sly Old Fox' is derogatory, claims Peta

An animal rights group has been accused of undermining real issues after asking a pub to change its name, claiming it is offensive to foxes.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals group (Peta) wrote to owners of The Sly Old Fox on Hurst Street, Birmingham, saying the name was "derogatory".

Instead, Elisa Allen from the campaign group asked them to consider swapping "sly" with "clever".

People on social media have said the request trivialised animal rights issues, but Ms Allen has hit back saying critics were getting their "knickers in a twist".

Ms Allen has urged people to view research on language used to describe animals.

"Those who have their knickers in a twist over a friendly suggestion to give The Sly Old Fox a more cheerful, more accurate name would do well to look at the research, which indicates the language we use to describe other animals can affect how we view and treat them," she said.

"If institutions have the chance of rebranding themselves in a way that not only better reflects who these animals truly are but could also inspire more reverence for foxes, why not take it?"