Constitutional Law
Kangaroo Shoe Ban Upheld
Posted Jul 24, 2007, 02:08 pm CST
By Debra Cassens Weiss
The California Supreme Court has upheld a state law banning the sale of products made with kangaroo skin.
Federal law does not pre-empt the state ban, the court ruled yesterday.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the ruling could have a big impact on the makers of high-end soccer shoes, which often use kangaroo hide because of its supple qualities.
An animal rights group filed the lawsuit against Adidas and two athletic-shoe retailers. Adidas uses kangaroo hide in soccer, rugby and baseball shoes.
The lawyer for Adidas told the Los Angeles Times the dispute could reach the Supreme Court. He contends the state ban violates the commerce clause and the plaintiff had no standing to file suit.
The ruling is Viva! International Voice for Animals v. Adidas Promotional Retail Operations Inc. (PDF), No. S140064.