Sep.30 (GMM) Struggling Toyota racer Ralf Schumacher has come under fire from an animal rights group.

PETA, supported by the 32-year-old German's brother Michael and his wife Corinna, reportedly wrote Ralf a scathing letter after it was discovered that he recently embarked on a deer-hunt in Serbia.

Cologne newspaper Express claims that PETA was outraged when it heard that Schumacher successfully shot and killed three animals.

PETA chairman Ingrid Newkirk was quoted as saying in the fax to Ralf: "Leave the deer in peace."

At the deer range in question, the location of the animals is apparently controlled so that well-paying amateur hunters are guaranteed a successful day.

Newkirk said a hunt of this type requires "about as much talent as shooting fish in a barrel", and urged Ralf to "follow the good example of your brother; not only regarding the winning or races but also in terms of kindness to animals".

Schumacher responded by telling Express that he always abides the law on hunts, and that they are not solely about killing animals.