Animal rights organization PETA has turned its attention to Nintendo, calling on the company to make a change to one of Mario Kart World’s farm animals. Specifically, the group has asked Nintendo to redesign the series’ iconic cow character to remove its nose ring, which PETA argues promotes an inhumane practice.

In a statement released this week, PETA said that while the cow in Mario Kart World is a lighthearted addition to the racing tracks, the depiction of a nose ring “normalizes the painful mutilation of animals for human convenience.” The group explained that in real life, nose rings are used to control cattle and prevent behaviors such as suckling, but the process of piercing and wearing the ring can cause discomfort and long-term pain.

“Millions of children and adults play Mario Kart,” the statement reads. “By portraying a cow with a nose ring as cute and harmless, Nintendo is inadvertently sending the message that this form of animal exploitation is acceptable. We’re asking Nintendo to make a small but meaningful change that reflects compassion and modern values.”

The cows in Mario Kart have been a fan-favourite feature since the Moo Moo Meadows track debuted in Mario Kart Wii. They’ve since appeared in several titles, charming players with their simple design and farmyard presence. In Mario Kart World, Nintendo carried over the design with little alteration including the traditional golden nose ring.

Nintendo has not yet issued a response to PETA’s request. Historically, the company has remained quiet on similar campaigns. In the past, PETA has targeted video game developers over depictions of animals, including a parody campaign against Pokémon and criticism of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag for its whaling mechanics.

Whether Nintendo decides to act on the request remains to be seen. For now, the Moo Moo cows continue to roam the tracks as they always have nose rings and all while the debate about realism, tradition, and animal welfare plays out among fans and advocates alike.