Singapore  - An animal rights group Thursday named Singapore Airlines the recipient of its "Litterbox Award" for an advertisement that "stinks for animals."

The Asia-Pacific branch of People for the Ethnical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said the airline promoted cruel rodeos in an ad encouraging traveller to visit the US state of Texas.

The company had no immediate response.

"When it comes to showing respect and kindness towards animals, Singapore Airlines can't get off the ground," said PETA Director Jason Baker. "Trying to turn a profit by promoting animal abuse just doesn't fly with a growing number of today's travellers."

The airline was singled out previously for their print ad promoting travel to India, which featured a man with a bullhook, "a heavy, steel-tipped instrument used to strike, jab and often cut elephants."

"Rodeos are so cruel that they are banned in several US jurisdictions," PETA said. "Common rodeo tactics include jabbing animals with electric shock prods and twisting their tails, sometimes until their joints snap." (dpa)