The sporting goods manufacturer Adidas is defending itself against accusations by animal rights activists that kangaroos are "cruelly murdered" for the production of football boots. The proportion of kangaroo leather used in the production of football boots is now well below 0.5%, said an Adidas spokesman. "We source the leather exclusively from suppliers that are monitored and certified by the Australian government to ensure both animal welfare and species protection," he emphasized. Animal rig
Another company is seeing the benefits of vegan leather. Recently the Scottish brand, Strathberry, launched its first line of alternative-leather handbags.
The kangaroo industry argues its leather is more sustainable than sheep and cattle equivalents, and says Nike and Puma's decision to phase out its use will actually result in more roos being shot.