Overview

• PETA sent an open letter to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa asking for “empathy towards bovines” and the removal of Cow’s brass nose ring.
• The group argues that nose rings are used in the meat and dairy industries to exploit, control and even drag cattle, causing lasting pain and discomfort.
• Nintendo has not publicly responded, and as of August 16 the character’s design remains unchanged in the best-selling Switch 2 launch title.
• Cow became a breakout fan favorite after Mario Kart World’s June release, amplifying the visibility and stakes of PETA’s request.
• PETA has backed its appeal with “Liberate Cow” graphics and an online pledge, drawing both support from animal-rights advocates and skepticism from gamers.