European sports brands refute kangaroo allegations
The trade body representing the interests of approximately 1,800 European sports manufacturers, The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI), has issued a press statement clarifying the position of its membership in relation to the use of kangaroo skin for football boots. The statement responds to the recent attempts made by the pro-vegan group, PETA, to stir up controversy surrounding the high profile use of kangaroo leather football boots in the World Cup competition.
In the statement, FESI refers to ‘recent inaccurate allegations’ received by some of its members that they are encouraging the illegal slaughter and extermination of the kangaroo species in Australia. It reiterates the commitment of the FESI member companies to safe and humane animal welfare standards, their adherence to the rules and regulations of the Australian government for the humane treatment of animals and the fact that they only use Australian government certified kangaroo leather.
The statement also answers the allegation that the culling of kangaroos is damaging population levels, stating. "Australian scientists have advised us that this is the highest the kangaroo population has ever been and it unquestionably makes kangaroos amongst the most common large wild land mammals on earth." The statement concludes; "The Australian government approves limited kangaroo population control measures and FESI members only source products through this government certified scheme."
