Bill banning sale of kangaroo parts introduced in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A bill that would ban the sale of kangaroo parts has been introduced in the Oregon Legislature. KLCC reports that the measure would apply to soccer cleats, one of the only products made from kangaroo leather routinely sold in the state. On Monday, state Sen. Floyd Prozanski, who introduced the bill, described the practice as “unconscionable.” Animal rights advocates hope the bill forces Nike, which is based in Oregon, to stop using kangaroo leather in soccer shoes. Nike did not respond to KLCC’s request for comment. California enacted a ban on kangaroo-based products in the 1970s. In Australia, the so-called commercial harvest of the animals is legal.