PETA has written an open letter to Nintendo president Shunatro Furukawa. The reason? Well, they aren’t happy with Mario Kart World‘s breakout star Cow’s nose ring. The organisation says that cow nose rings are used by the meat and dairy industries to “exploit, control, and even drag animals to their deaths.” They also say that the rings are “crudely stabbed through the sensitive septum of cows and bulls, which can cause lasting pain and discomfort.” They end the open letter amusingly by saying “leave the rings to Sonic and let Cow breathe free!.” Here’s the letter:
Dear Mr. Furukawa:
Greetings! I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). PETA entities have more than 10 million members and supporters globally. We herd there’s a new star in Mario Kart World: Cow! She is already winning hearts everywhere—including ours. But one detail has us hitting the brakes: The brass ring in Cow’s nose. Would you please show empathy towards bovines and remove the nose ring? Here’s why this is so important:
Nose rings are used by the meat and dairy industries to exploit, control, and even drag animals to their deaths. These brass rings are crudely stabbed through the sensitive septum of cows and bulls, which can cause lasting pain and discomfort. The dairy industry will also clip spiked nose rings on baby cows so that the comforting act of nursing from their mother causes her pain and the baby is rejected and kicked away. To control bulls, a chain might be fastened from the nose ring to the bull’s horn for even more pain-driven control.
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.
Every animal is someone. So leave the rings to Sonic and let Cow breathe free!
Thanks to SonicGalaxy27 for sending in the news tip!
