PETA Calls on Nintendo to Eliminate Cow Nose Ring in ‘Mario Kart World’: Why This Is a Cruel Representation!

PETA has recently called on Nintendo to remove a brass nose ring from Cow, the charming character in “Mario Kart World.” This campaign highlights the reality of animal cruelty in farming by emphasizing that the nose ring symbolizes pain often inflicted on cows in the meat and dairy industries.

In a letter to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, PETA’s SVP Joel Bartlett stated, “The brass ring in Cow’s nose glosses over real-world violence and cruelty.” He urges Nintendo to redesign the character to reflect a more compassionate view of animals.

As of June 30, “Mario Kart World” has sold over 5.6 million copies since its launch on June 5, 2025, marking it as a top title for the new Nintendo Switch 2. In the game, players race through vibrant tracks, but the debate over Cow’s design adds a layer of complexity to the fun.

Interestingly, some fans are defending the character. Online, users have pointed out that Cow could have chosen to get the nose ring in this fictional world. One user quipped that since Cow can drive, she’s not exactly ordinary.

PETA has a long history of critique. In the past, they hit out at Nintendo for promoting animal exploitation, like when they condemned “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” for its portrayal of fishing. In 2017, they criticized a partnership between Nintendo and McDonald’s for including toys in Happy Meals, echoing a concern over how these actions align with the values of animal welfare.

The conversation around Cow’s nose ring taps into broader discussions about how animals are depicted in media. According to a 2021 survey by the Humane Society, nearly 70% of Americans express concern over animal welfare issues, showing that more people are thinking critically about the treatment of animals in various contexts.

PETA’s campaign is more than just about a video game. It’s a reminder that even playful characters can have deeper meanings. Understanding this connection encourages thoughtful dialogue about the messages we send to younger audiences in media.

For more on the impact of animal rights advocacy in gaming, see PETA’s official release and the ongoing discussions on social media about animal representation in entertainment.

Source link

Mario Kart World,Nintendo,PETA