Final signature count: 9,523

9,523 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

The kangaroo is a symbol of courage and boundless energy, of strength and leadership, and when carrying a pouch of joeys around the Australian outback, of adorable parenting.

However, kangaroos are also under threat from hunters who sell the animal hides to fashion houses to be used in shoes, bags, and more¹.

California banned the sale of kangaroo leather in the 70s² but some retailers are breaking this law, keeping kangaroo leather shoes and other products on tehir shelves³.

A Center for a Humane Economy investigation⁴ found widespread violations of California’s ban on the commerce of kangaroo-derived products, and a lack of enforcement of California Penal Code § 653o⁵. Officials from California Fish and Wildlife and other agencies are now taking action to increase compliance.

Major athletic clothing companies like Nike, Adidas, Asics, Lotto, Mizuno, New Balance, Puma and Umbro still rely on kangaroo leather for more than 65 models of soccer cleats, contributing to the killing of some 1.5 million kangaroos a year in Australia — the largest commercial hunt of terrestrial wildlife in the world⁶.

California’s ban on kangaroo leather applies to online and brick-and-mortar sales. Even though conservation groups have repeatedly contacted California state authorities about companies that skirt the law, no regulatory agencies have stepped up to enforce it⁷.

Kangaroos are at great risk, and more will be targeted, hunted down, and slaughtered for their hides.

This doesn’t have to happen.

Many synthetic alternatives to kangaroo leather exist, including sustainable plant-based options made out of mushrooms, apples, pineapples, and more⁸.

The European Union is considering a kangaroo products ban, facing pressure from citizens⁹.

Even the Australian government has strengthened protections for kangaroos over the years¹⁰, requiring higher standards in the slaughter of joeys¹¹.

If Australia can take a stand for kangaroos, California has little excuse.

Sign the petition and help us tell the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and state prosecutors to enforce the ban on kangaroo products and respond with consequences for retailers who refuse to follow it.