Pop queen Madonna has been attacked by Kabbalah officials for allowing shooting parties to take place at her English country estate.

The singer and film director husband Guy Ritchie earn a reported $900,000 (GBP500,000) a year from the shoots.

But Madonna, who took up shooting when she married the director and settled in Britain, may have to put down her gun if she wants to stay in favour with the mystical Jewish teachings.

IAN BROADMORE, who runs the Kabbalah School at Hellingly, East Sussex, England, says, "Three hundred years ago, it was quite acceptable for people to go out to shoot and hunt for food but there is a world of difference between that and people shooting birds for fun.

"The birds are part of God's creation, created by God, and as such, are part of God."

25/01/2004 14:52