Athletic giant New Balance has altered its sourcing policies, aiming to phase out its use of kangaroo skins and halt sales of kangaroo-based shoes by next December. 

The move comes after Nike and Puma announced plans to stop the use of wildlife skins to make soccer cleats earlier this year. Nike said it will halt sourcing and sales of kangaroo skins by the end of this year. 

“… There’s no question that the decisions will diminish the financing of the commercial massacres of kangaroos in their native habitats in Australia,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action.

Four major global athletic shoe brands – including Italian brand Diadora – have now announced policies to stop sourcing kangaroo skins since the Center began its Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign more than three years ago. 

The Center for a Humane Economy has also pressed other brands, including Japan-based Mizuno, to discontinue the use of kangaroo hides in their products. 

According to the Center, more than 1 million wild kangaroos are gunned down annually in their native habitat.