A criminal investigation has begun into the abuse of animals for a new television show named Killer Karaoke in which people can win cash by singing under ‘unusual’ circumstances, such as in a bath of snakes.

Over 100 people have complained about the show, which is American in origin, and began on RTL5 on Thursday night, news agency ANP reported.

The investigation is being supervised by the public prosecution department.

Animal rights party PvdD has also raised questions in parliament about the show, arguing that animals should not be subjected to stress in the name of entertainment.

The programme makers say the animals are not put under any stress and are not endangered by the stunts.