Hyderabad, Feb 3 (IANS): Like smoking, eating meat also increases the risk of heart diseases and cancer, says People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

As part of its campaign to create public awareness, the organisation erected a billboard here showing a baby smoking a cigar. Its caption reads "You wouldn't let your child smoke" and goes on to add "Like smoking, eating meat increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. Go vegan".

This billboard, which has been erected in upmarket Banjara Hills, was earlier rejected in Bangalore after billboard companies found it controversial.

"Lifestyle-related cancer is reportedly on the rise in Hyderabad, so the city was a natural fit for PETA's new life-saving campaign, which urges people to throw out meat and dairy products just in time for World Cancer Day on Feb 4," PETA said in a statement.

"We all know how important it is to set a good example for our kids, and that means choosing habits - such as eating vegan meals - that will steer them towards a healthier life," said PETA India nutritionist Bhuvaneshwari Gupta.