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BEIJING, Sept. 1 -- Beyonce Knowles has been blasted by animal rights activists for abusing a baby alligator while shooting the cover for her new album.

The singer recently revealed she made animal handlers tape the reptile's mouth shut before she would hold it for the artwork of her 'B'Day' album.

Beyonce said: "There was a shot where I held a baby alligator. It had its mouth taped - that was my bright idea. He was really cute, but since his mouth was taped he didn't have any way to defend himself. He was upset so he peed on me."

After learning of her actions, international animal rights group PETA contacted British reptile expert Clifford Warwick.

Warwick has now written a letter to Beyonce, on PETA's behalf, branding her actions "abusive".

(Source: China Daily)