Kangaroos are a beloved marsupial known for their amazing leaps, playful social energy, and sweet little joeys popping their heads out of their mamas' pouches. But some people also want to hunt them down for their skin, using the hide that covers their flesh for shoes, bags, and more. California took a great step forward by banning the sale of kangaroo leather in the 70s, but unfortunately, some retailers are openly breaking this law. And so far, they're getting away with it.
Sign the petition to demand that California authorities finally crack down on cruel retailers selling kangaroo leather!
In many places, kangaroo leather is considered a "luxury" item -- enabling more unnecessary cruelty. Soccer Warehouse, an American sports equipment and clothing store chain based in California, is one of the main culprits. Investigations by conservation groups have found kangaroo leather shoes at multiple Soccer Warehouse stores in California. Clearly, this corporation doesn't care about the law or animal rights.
Although conservation groups have repeatedly contacted California state authorities about this problem, no regulatory agencies have cared enough to enforce the law. That makes retailers feel like they can do whatever they want. It also means that more wildlife will be at risk in the future -- the more kangaroo leather this company sells, the more kangaroos will be targeted, hunted down, and "harvested" for their hides.
Why are we so obsessed with slaughtering other living beings just to make our clothing? In this day and age, it is no longer necessary. Plenty of synthetic alternatives exist, including sustainable plant-based options made out of mushrooms, apples, pineapples, and more.
Other countries show us it's possible to enforce this law. Right now, the European Union is facing pressure from its citizens to also ban kangaroo products. Even Australia is concerned about kangaroo harvesting. A recent investigation into the culling process uncovered serious problems, so the government issued further protection for these innocent animals. While this is great news, it also puts California to shame.
The state can't just pride itself on theoretically protecting animal welfare: it has to follow up on its laws with full enforcement! Tell California's regulatory agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and state prosecutors, that they must safeguard kangaroos' rights and enforce the ban on kangaroo products! Soccer Warehouse and other retailers must face serious consequences for their refusal to follow the law.
