PETA Petitions Nintendo To Make Mario Kart World Change

In a letter addressed to Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have urged Nintendo to modify the Cow character in Mario Kart World by taking out its brass nose ring. In their correspondence, PETA emphasized that nose rings are invasive as they pierce one of a cow’s most sensitive body areas.

In simpler terms, the point being made is that the Cow’s horn accessory in Mario Kart seems to downplay or trivialise real-life violence, and it’s suggested that this item could be taken out of the game for this reason.

Why is PETA Bothering Nintendo?

Recently, PETA has shared their reasons for taking issue with Nintendo concerning a design choice in Mario Kart World, as outlined in a recent article they published.

It’s clear that the cow’s nose ring in Mario Kart World is merely a game element, but that’s precisely why it should be removed. The Mario Kart series is designed for entertainment and as a means of escape, not to evoke thoughts of the distressing practices used in cattle farming. Playing this game shouldn’t involve reminders of animal cruelty while we enjoy racing around the tracks.

In a non-virtual scenario, no cow under duress wearing a nose ring would be seen smiling playfully as cows do in Nintendo’s games.

It’s important to note that when you follow the link to PETA above, be prepared as it may lead to graphic images. This tactic of using shocking content is often employed by PETA to emphasize their cause.

On previous occasions, PETA hasn’t shied away from taking issue with game developers and publishers. In the month of January 2024, I managed to obtain an exclusive commentary from them concerning a vegan protest against Palworld.

As a passionate Palworld fan, I’ve noticed that many of us share a common bond with PETA – we cherish the virtual ‘Pals’ within our gaming world and value animal welfare beyond it. The idea of creating a vegan guide for the game resonates strongly, especially considering it’s Veganuary! Just as gamers strive to make a difference in real life by adopting vegan diets, we want that same commitment reflected in our virtual adventures. Let’s show our love for Palworld and its inhabitants by making this request a reality.

In a similar vein, PETA has taken issue with both Hunting Simulator 2 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Their concern with the former stems from the promotion of hunting activities. Regarding the latter game, they assert that players are subtly incentivized to act cruelly towards sea creatures (fish) and insects.

Seriously.

Would you like to share your thoughts about whether PETA’s petition against Nintendo has any validity? Feel free to express your opinion on this topic in the TopMob forum.

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2025-08-16 09:19