Athletic giant New Balance has altered its sourcing policies, aiming to phase out its use of kangaroo skins and halt sales of kangaroo-based shoes by next December.
The decision was made after Nike and Puma earlier this year said they would stop using wildlife skins to produce soccer cleats. By the end of this year, Nike says it will stop importing and selling kangaroo skins.
“There’s no question that the decisions will diminish the financing of the commercial massacres of kangaroos in their native habitats in Australia,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action.
Since the Centre launched its Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign more than three years ago, four major international athletic shoe firms, including the Italian company Diadora, have now declared policies to stop sourcing kangaroo skins.
Other companies, including Mizuno, which is located in Japan, have been under pressure from the Centre for a Humane Economy to stop using kangaroo hides in their products.
