The sporting goods manufacturer Adidas is defending itself against allegations from animal rights activists that kangaroos are being “cruelly murdered” to make football shoes. The proportion of kangaroo leather in the production of football shoes is now well below 0.5 percent, said an Adidas spokesman.
“We source the leather exclusively from suppliers who are monitored and certified by the Australian government to ensure both animal welfare and species protection,” he emphasized.
Animal rights activists have called via Instagram for a demonstration next Monday in front of the Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach. Adidas is the only major sports shoe manufacturer that still uses kangaroo leather, according to the “kangaroosarenotshoes” campaign website. Other manufacturers demonstrated how vegan leather could serve as an alternative. (dpa)