PETA angered by Nintendo's plumber mascot Mario

Animal rights campaign group PETA has launched a scathing attack on an unusual target -- the Nintendo video-game mascot Mario.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals say that in the latest Mario game, Super Mario 3D Land, the famous plumber appears to wear fur.

This is a reference to a magical Tanooki suit which grants the mustachioed one special powers in the game.

However it appears that even wearing digital fur is a no-no for PETA who point out that in real-life tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur.

PETA have also released a parody online game which sees ethical gamers take control of a skinned raccoon pursuing Mario.

A spokesperson for PETA said: '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.

'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!'

Source: newslite.tv ; November 16, 2011