PETA to Mario Fans: Relax (News Update)

Animal rights advocate group, PETA recently issues a statement to Mario fans to relax after netizens were enraged from accusing the game icon for animal cruelty.

According to Shakira Croce, PETA's media coordinator, "Mario fans: Relax! PETA's game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur. We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur."

Peta Builds Game Against Mario

Last November 14, 2011. Animal rights group PETA launched a flash-based game against Nintendo's iconic game character Mario clamming that the game company is advocating to wear real fur. PETA is pointing directly at Mario's famed Tanooki (raccoon dog) suit.

On the intro page of PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) MARIO KILLS TANOOKI mini site, it says:

"When on a mission to rescue the princess, Mario has been known to use any means necessary to defeat his enemy—even wearing the skin of a raccoon dog to give him special powers.

Tanooki may be just a "suit" in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it's OK to wear fur. Play Super Tanooki Skin 2D and help Tanooki reclaim his fur!"