US company defends mobile phone `cockroach backpack` app

London: A US-based company has defended itself against cruelty claims over their device called "electronic backpack" which controls the movements of cockroaches. The Backyard Brains company, which has developed the device which fits onto a cockroach allowing its movements to be controlled by a mobile phone app , said that the device is intended to get children to be interested in neuroscience, the BBC reported.

Critics have slammed their stance as "disingenuous" as the procedure to attach the device on the cockroach involves several cruel and painful steps.