California bans roo imports
July 26, 2007 Herald Sun, Peta Hellard and Kelly Ryan
California has banned the sale of Kangaroo-pelt soccer boots, made popular by superstar David Beckham.
The state Supreme Court ruled this week that all kangaroo-derived products be outlawed statewide, following an epic legal battle between animal rights organisations and sporting giant addidas.
But the statewide prohibition, the only one of its kind in the US, could be short-lived.
Legislation allowing kangaroo-derived products made by adidas and others passed the Senate this year. It is expected to clear the Assembly and arrive on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk as early as September.
The kangaroo ban ruling - at odds with the Federal Government's support of Australia's wildlife management plans - overturned two lower court decisions.
But the decision has been haild as sensible by Australian native animal lobbyists.
"The red kangaroo is the spirit and heart of this nation, and allowing that animal to be turned into a soccer boot is an absolute disgrace," said Australian Wildlife Protection Council president Maryland Wilson.
"It is the national emblem, proudly painted on the tail of Qantas planes, yet is being mercilessly hunted for export as sports gear, despite its numers already (being) decimated by years of drought."
Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Sandy Fernee said it was "sad" it took American legislators to stop predation of Australia's national emblem.
"It's a shame that other countries look to protecting Australia's national emblem from inhumane destruction even before we do," Ms Fernee said.
"It's known that joeys are bashed to death or left to starve, depending on if they are underfoot or not."
California Attorney-General Jerry Brown also joined the lawsuit, siding with animal activists on behalf of the state's Fish and Game Department.
"The state has the authority to make determinations under the state Endangered Species Act and can protect even species that are in faraway countries like Australia," Mr Brown said.
"When you create a market for certain animal skins, then you encourage people to kill that animal species."
The Australian Government, which filed court papers siding with adidas, said there were about 25 million of the kangaroos in 2005, and hunting them was sound wildlife management.
Adidas spokeswoman Andrea Corso said of the 55 species of kangaroo in Australia, the company used the leather from only six species, which were commercially harvested and exported.
Letter to the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from Maryland Wilson, June 1 2007
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State House
Sacramento , California 95814 USA
Re: Please do not lift your 37 year old
ban on kangaroo body parts
Dear Governor Scharzenegger,
We implore you to not permit legislation that will overturn your 37 year old ban on kangaroo importation into California .
Cruelty is inherent in the Australian kangaroo killing industry. If this does not move you, perhaps this copy of our book “Kangaroos Myths and Realities” should.
Please protect our National Symbol as you would protect your Bald Eagle!
Yours sincerely,
Maryland Wilson
President
www.awpc.org.au
And a response from the Governor's Office.
July 18 2007
Dear Maryland Wilson,
Thank you for writing Govenor Schwarzenegger and sharing your book, "Kangaroo Myths and Realities." The Govenor appreciates hearing from people about the important issues facing our great state..
Govenor Schwarzenegger is encouraged by the willingness of people everywhere who want to work to help the people of california. On his behalf. we applaud your enthusism and dedication to our state.
Again thankyou for writing to Governor Schwarzenegger. He welcomes any ideas that can help improve the Golden State.
Sincerely,
Office of Constituent Affairs
actual letter as pdf available here (approx 1.1mb)
To have your say - you can email the governor by visiting his website www.govmail.ca.gov/ or his postal address is:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capital
Sacramento, California 95814
USA
