PETA Demands Nintendo Remove Nose Ring from ‘Mario Kart World’ Cow Character
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Tokyo, Japan – Animal rights association PETA is urging nintendo to redesign a cow character featured in its newly released “mario Kart World” game. The group alleges the character’s depiction with a nose ring normalizes a practice considered cruel to cattle. This action underscores a continuing pattern of PETA activism targeting Nintendo’s content.
Petition Launched Against Nintendo
This week, PETA initiated a petition requesting Nintendo remove the nose ring from the cow character, an anthropomorphic bovine selectable in “Mario Kart World,” which launched alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5.The petition argues the accessory trivializes the pain and distress caused by nose rings used in the agricultural industry.
“The brass ring in the cow’s nose obscures the violence and cruelty suffered by animals in the real world,” stated Joel Bartlett, senior marketing vice president, in a letter to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. PETA echoed this sentiment on its official X account, stating, “Leave the rings to Sonic and let the cow breathe freely.”
Did You Know? Nose rings are sometimes used in cattle to discourage undesirable behaviors, but their application can cause meaningful pain and potential infection.
The Cruelty of Nasal Rings
PETA contends that the meat and dairy industries utilize nasal rings as restraint tools, “cruelly pierced in the sensitive septum of cows and bulls, which can cause lasting pain and discomfort.” The organization asserts this practice inflicts needless suffering on animals. Nintendo has not yet issued a public response to the petition or press inquiries, including those from Variety magazine.
This is not the first instance of PETA challenging Nintendo’s creative choices. In 2020, the organization criticized “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” for allegedly “encouraging abusive behavior towards fish and insects.” Similarly, in 2017, PETA protested Nintendo’s partnership with McDonald’s surrounding Super Mario-themed toys.
past PETA Protests Against Nintendo
| Year | Game/Partnership | PETA’s Complaint |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Nintendo/McDonald’s Partnership | Promoted unhealthy eating habits and animal exploitation. |
| 2020 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Encouraged abusive behavior towards animals. |
| 2025 | mario Kart World | Normalized animal cruelty through depiction of a nose ring. |
Pro Tip: Understanding the ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare is crucial for consumers making informed choices.
What impact will PETA’s campaign have on Nintendo’s design choices? Do video games have a duty to portray animal welfare issues accurately?
The Broader Context of Animal Rights in Gaming
The debate surrounding animal portrayal in video games reflects a growing awareness of animal welfare issues globally. Organizations like PETA have consistently used gaming as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for ethical treatment of animals. This ongoing dialog highlights the increasing intersection of entertainment and social responsibility. The use of animals in gaming, whether as companions, adversaries, or simply background elements, is subject to increasing scrutiny from advocacy groups and players alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About PETA and Nintendo
- What is PETA’s primary goal in targeting Nintendo? PETA aims to raise awareness about animal cruelty and encourage Nintendo to adopt more ethical representations of animals in its games.
- Why is the nose ring in ‘Mario Kart World’ considered problematic? PETA argues it normalizes a painful and potentially harmful practice used in the agricultural industry.
- Has Nintendo responded to PETA’s concerns? As of August 17, 2025, Nintendo has not publicly responded to the petition.
- What other games has PETA protested? PETA has previously protested games like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and criticized partnerships with companies like McDonald’s.
- Is this a common practice for PETA? Yes, PETA frequently uses public campaigns and protests to advocate for animal rights across various industries, including entertainment.
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