Ebony Andrews says her creations are works of art

Ebony Andrews, 22, says she used a variety of animals - many of which were killed in road accidents - for her Northumbria University project.

Pieces include a dead rabbit turned into a pot plant. Another features a squirrel whose insides were replaced by a remote control for a DVD player.

The RSPCA has said it would be appalled if any of the animals had been killed specifically to create works of art.

The BA Fine Art student said her exhibition was an example of how the public use animals as commodities.

She is one of scores of students who are displaying their work as part of the university's annual display.

Miss Andrews, who wants to pursue a career in the art world when she graduates later this summer, said her work had evolved over time and had begun in earnest after taking a course in taxidermy.

One piece shows a dead bird turned into a clock

She said: "I have used the sort of animals people come across in the countryside like rabbits, pheasants and barn owls.

"They are animals people can identify and have a relationship with. It is showing how animals are used by people as commodities in the post-modern world."

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "We are opposed to inflicting of pain or killing of animals in the name of sport, entertainment, art or fashion.

"We do not know how all these animals died, but we would be appalled if they were killed specifically for this purpose."

Miss Andrews said she was a little concerned about possible public reaction to her work, but since the exhibition opened on Monday the response had been positive.

She added: "I am confident in my work and I am prepared to face criticism.

"Rather than just judging, people are taking the time to walk around so they can understand where I am coming from.

"If I provoke emotions in people - either good or bad - it means they are thinking about the work, which is part of being an artist."