Few animal products stir as much controversy as kangaroo leather. Often branded as “k-leather,” this material is sourced from the skins of millions of wild kangaroos slaughtered annually in Australia.

Primarily driven by demand for high-end soccer cleats, this industry has sparked global calls for bans on the sale and manufacture of kangaroo-derived products. Recent legislative efforts in the United States aim to address this contentious issue by restricting or prohibiting the use of kangaroo parts entirely.

Kangaroo Leather: A Controversial Trade

Kangaroo leather, prized for its strength and lightweight flexibility, has become a go-to material for elite soccer footwear. Despite these qualities, the commercial trade of kangaroo leather has raised serious ethical and environmental questions. Over two million kangaroos are killed each year, making it the largest commercial slaughter of land-based mammals worldwide, according to World Animal Protection.

These animals are hunted at night, with shooters using lights to disorient them before firing. While this practice is legal under Australian regulations, it has led to significant concerns about animal welfare.

“Kangaroos are an iconic species, yet they are treated as mere raw materials,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth, who co-introduced the Kangaroo Protection Act in the United States Senate.

The act proposes to prohibit the sale and manufacture of kangaroo skin products in the U.S., which remains the second-largest market for k-leather after Australia, Fashion Dive reports.

Push for Legislative Action

In response to these ethical concerns, several U.S. states have considered, and in some cases implemented, bans on kangaroo products. California passed legislation as far back as the 1970s to prevent the sale of kangaroo meat and leather. This law has faced its own challenges, with some retailers continuing to sell k-leather despite the ban, according to the LA Times.

More recently, Oregon introduced a bill that would outlaw the sale of kangaroo parts, targeting the sportswear industry, including brands like Nike, which is headquartered in the state, NPR reports. On a federal level, the proposed Kangaroo Protection Act, co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth and Cory Booker, aims to enact a nationwide ban on k-leather. According to Duckworth, this bill is an essential step toward protecting kangaroos from "inhumane and needless" exploitation, World Animal News reports.

Growing Opposition and Corporate Changes

Increased awareness of kangaroo hunting practices has prompted some major sportswear brands to distance themselves from kangaroo leather. In 2023, Nike, Puma, and New Balance all announced plans to phase out k-leather from their product lines, citing ethical considerations and pressure from animal rights groups, Species Unite reports. Puma, for instance, redesigned its King soccer boots using a nylon-based alternative, which the company claims performs better than kangaroo leather.

Despite these shifts, Adidas remains one of the few high-profile brands still utilizing k-leather, a decision that has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates. Brands’ alignment with cruelty-free alternatives signals a growing acknowledgment of the harmful impact of kangaroo leather production.

Impacts on Kangaroo Populations and Ecosystems

Kangaroo populations are directly affected by commercial hunting. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, more than 1.3 million kangaroos were killed for commercial purposes in 2021, with many more deaths resulting from non-fatal injuries or orphaned joeys.

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water argues that this hunting is sustainable, CNN reports, maintaining that the annual kill quota falls within acceptable limits. However, wildlife conservationists and animal rights organizations dispute these claims, pointing to the suffering inflicted on kangaroos and the potential for long-term ecological damage.

Moreover, the method of killing often involves inhumane practices. According to World Animal Protection, approximately 40% of the kangaroos are not killed instantly by hunters' shots, leading to prolonged suffering. Joeys found in their mothers' pouches face a particularly brutal fate, often bludgeoned to death or left to die from exposure.

Will the U.S. Be the Next to Ban Kangaroo Leather?

The future of kangaroo leather sales in the U.S. remains uncertain as the Kangaroo Protection Act moves through legislative channels. Advocates are optimistic that bipartisan support for the bill could bring about meaningful change.

“The mass killing of millions of kangaroos to make commercial products is needless and inhumane—and we must do better,” said Senator Duckworth.

With over 150 organizations supporting the act, including the Center for a Humane Economy and SPCA International, momentum is building to end the U.S. role in the k-leather industry. If successful, this legislation would set a precedent for animal rights and conservation efforts worldwide, prompting other countries to reconsider their stance on kangaroo hunting and the broader ethics of wildlife trade.

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