PETA barbecues fake dog in Sydney CBD

Sydney shoppers have fumed after provocative animal rights group PETA appeared to barbecue a dog in the middle of the CBD.

A fake but alarmingly lifelike dog was barbecued on a grill in the middle of Pitt Street Mall this afternoon.

PETA said the display was intended to challenge what people choose to eat on Australia Day.

"Of course, the 'dog' was just a prop, but the idea of barbecuing dogs rightly causes outrage amongst Australians," PETA said in a statement.

"Meanwhile, millions of other equally sensitive and intelligent animals are forced to endure horrific suffering when they’re bred, raised, and killed for the meat industry."

"This is called speciesism –a form of discrimination based on nothing more than species –and like all forms of discrimination, it cannot be justified."

But shoppers were clearly displeased with the stunt.

"Terrifying children on school holiday outings by barbecuing a (very lifelike) dog," wrote one Twitter user.

"I saw some visibly upset kids."

"I understand why you guys fight for animal rights but after what I saw in Sydney today, I'm disgusted," wrote another.

"My friends are vegan and I support their choices, maybe you should support and understand others choices instead of forcing yours down people's throats."

PETA's defence was blunt.