PETA is taking aim at Mario Kart World’s newest racer, calling on Nintendo to remove the nose ring from its Cow character.
The playable Cow is a first for the long-running series and has quickly become a fan favorite since Mario Kart World’s debut. But the character’s growing popularity has also caught the attention of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA argues that the nose ring promotes real-world cruelty and the org wrote a letter addressed to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa demanding changes be made.
Nintendo told to remove Cow’s nose ring in Mario Kart World
In the letter, PETA pleaded with Nintendo to “show empathy towards bovines and remove the nose ring.”
“The brass ring in Cow’s nose glosses over real world violence and cruelty to animals. That’s why we’re asking you to give this beloved bovine a small but meaningful upgrade: Remove the nose ring and let Cow race freely—without any painful reminders of the industries that treat animals like profit-making machines.”
PETA added that nose rings in the meat and dairy industries are “used to exploit, control, and even drag animals to their deaths,” and closed their request with a jab at Sega’s mascot: “Every animal is someone. So leave the rings to Sonic and let Cow breathe free!”
The animal rights group has a history of targeting Nintendo titles. In 2021, PETA asked for its “Not a Nugget” chicken mascot to be added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as DLC. A year before, they released an Animal Crossing: New Horizons “vegan guide” that discouraged in-game fishing because “fishing is harmful to animals and the planet.”
Other game studios have also been on PETA’s radar. In 2022, the organization called on Sony Santa Monica to create a God of War Ragnarok mode without any animal violence.
Nintendo has yet to respond to PETA’s latest request, and for now, Cow’s iconic nose ring remains in Mario Kart World on the Switch 2.
Source link
