Morrissey has described the Chinese people as a "subspecies" because of the nation's track record of animal welfare.

The former Smiths singer, an advocate of animal rights and a vegetarian, made the comment to the Guardian, describing the population's attitude to animal rights as "horrific".

"Did you see the thing on the news about their treatment of animals and animal welfare?" he said. "Absolutely horrific. You can't help but feel that the Chinese are a subspecies."