Mafia Wars removes pit bulls in response to PETA complaint

Last week, when we reported on PETA's efforts to get the recently added pit bull combat items removed from Mafia Wars, our commenters unanimously wished the organization would just go away. Instead, it seems the pit bulls are the ones going away, as Zynga has removed the animals from the game.

In a press release responding to the move, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said she would be sending a box of vegan chocolates to Zynga CEO Mark Pincus by way of thanks. "By removing Mafia Wars' virtual pit bull, Zynga is no longer perpetuating the mindset that it's acceptable to chain, neglect, and abuse real dogs," Reiman said in the release.

If our commenters are any indication, we're sure Zynga is now fielding a boatload of complaints from players angry that their digital pets/weapons have been taken away. If anyone at the company is looking for a compromise that satisfies both sides, may we humbly suggest robot pit bulls (pictured)?