LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Britney Spears' new video "Circus" is drawing fire from People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals for using what the group says are cruelly trained lions and elephants.

PETA says it even sent a letter to Spears explaining in graphic detail how trainers shock, whip, and beat exotic animals into performing.

The controversial group posted an action alert and a special blog post on its Web site asking people to contact Spears and demand that she stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all.

Steve Martin's Working Wildlife, which supplied the lions used in the video, has been cited repeatedly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to comply with the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide veterinary care, failure to provide shelter from the elements, failure to provide minimum space, and filthy cages, according to PETA.

"Britney may think her life is a circus, but for the animals who are whipped, chained, and beaten to perform under the real big top, the cruelty is very real," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy.

"She may be headed for a comeback, but when it comes to animals, she still can't get her act together."

Spears hasn't commented on PETA's allegations.