Noel Gallagher. (WENN.com)

Animal activists have taken aim at Noel Gallagher after the former Oasis star joked about teaching his sons to "throw stuff at cows".

The Wonderwall singer recently told reporters he's looking forward to taking his sons Sonny and Donovan on a trip to Ireland, where he holidayed as a child - so they can bond over terrorizing cattle.

He said, "At my grandma's (home) in Mayo we'd run around throwing stuff at cows. See, we don't get cows in Manchester, so if you see one you just throw stuff at them. I'm looking forward to bringing my sons over so they can throw stuff at cows as well."

Gallagher's cow cruelty has upset officials at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who insist his idea of fun with his kids suggests he needs a few "empathy" tips.

A spokesman for the organization says, "A father whose idea of a family vacation includes traumatizing animals who are minding their own business should undergo empathy counselling.

"It doesn't take a 'godlike genius' to realize that parents have an obligation to teach their children respect for all living beings and that they are creating monsters if they don't teach understanding. If Noel Gallagher wants his sons to grow into decent adults, he would do well to remember that."

Gallagher was honoured with the Godlike Genius Award at the NME Awards last month.