A PUB chain last night defended its right to serve exotic animal steaks.

Animal rights protestors have demonstrated against the sale of kangaroo burgers and kangaroo and crocodile fillets at Middlesbrough's new Australian Walkabout pub.

Animal Aid's Diane Sanderson, who joined a protest outside the town centre pub, said: "I think people who will buy it will do so for the novelty factor. I think the vast majority of people will shun it and will be disgusted at exotic meat.''

Protestor Andrew Kerr, from Middlesbrough, said: "It's sad. They are shooting kangaroos, saying there are too many in Australia. But it is an excuse to get rid of them to keep sheep farmers over there happy.''

A Walkabout spokesman said: "We respect people's right to protest and we hope people will respect our right to serve food that is farmed humanely and is part of the Australasian diet.

"We can assure the public that the number of kangaroos farmed for consumption is controlled by an independent quota which ensures the kangaroo population is maintained."