For Immediate Release:
July 23, 2003
For more information contact:
lauren Ornelas 530/759-8482 cell 530/848-4021

Images of Kangaroo Slaughter to Roll Into Los Angeles
Adidas’ support of massacre exposed

Los Angeles… A 13 foot tall industrial box truck with four large video screens, known as the Tiger Truck, has rolled into Los Angeles. The screens show images of kangaroos being shot and baby joeys being stomped, to expose the cruelty Adidas supports by making soccer cleats of kangaroo skin. Viva! launched an international campaign against Adidas last year.

Special Event: Saturday, August 2, 10pm
Where: Meet at the Westin LAX (5400 West Century Blvd) to follow the truck as it gets started

Why: To reveal to the public Adidas’ use of kangaroo skins for their soccer cleats

"We are taking to the streets what Adidas does not want anyone to see," said lauren Ornelas, US Campaigns Director for Viva!USA. "Hunters in Australia are shooting kangaroos and bludgeoning their babies to sell their skins to companies like Adidas."

Earlier this year Senator Dennis Hollingsworth introduced Senate Bill 233 to amend a penal code in California that currently prohibits the selling of kangaroo, crocodile, and alligator skins.

"We want people to know exactly who is supporting this cruel bill," said Steve Hindi of SHARK (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness), owner of the Tiger Truck. SHARK is based outside of Chicago, Illinois. See www.sharkonline.org.

In May of this year, Viva!USA sued Adidas and the Sport Chalet, as well as some other sports stores, for violating California Penal Code § 653o, which states that the body parts or products of kangaroos cannot be imported into or sold in the state.

The Tiger Truck started its tour in San Diego and will eventually make its way to Seattle, Portland (the Adidas USA Headquarters), Sacramento, and San Francisco.

Last year Viva!, an international organization with USA Headquarters in Davis, CA, launched a global campaign against Adidas’ use of kangaroo skins. For further information on this campaign and to view pictures of kangaroo hunting, see www.savethekangaroo.com. A copy of the lawsuit and video footage of kangaroo slaughter are also available on the website.

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