SAN ANTONIO — Animal rights nonprofit, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), said in a press release Monday that it sent a letter to North Star Mall Senior General Manager Brenda Crawford with what it called an “unbootable” offer.
PETA said it proposed displaying an anti-leather banner that reads: “Give animal leather the boot” in front of the world’s largest cowboy boots that have stood outside North Star Mall for over 40 years.
Constructed by the late Bob Wade in 1979, the famous sculpture has become a San Antonio staple that stands nearly 40 feet tall and was named as the largest cowboy boots sculpture in the world in 2015 by the Guinness Book of World Records.
In its letter to North Star Mall, PETA claims animals used for leather are subjected to extreme cruelty before suffering a “terrifying death.” The organization also claims animal leather proves much worse for the environment, contributing to more water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than all vegan leathers.
“These boots are made for talking, and it’s high time people discuss today’s alternatives to the cruel and environmentally destructive leather industry,” the letter reads.
PETA's pitch to mall officials comes as an effort by the organization to urge passersby to “kick leather to the curb” ahead of the holiday shopping season.
“Cows and ostriches are smart, social animals who love their families and don’t want to be carved up for a pair of boots,” said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA encourages everyone to give leather the boot and switch to animal- and planet-friendly vegan materials.”
KENS 5 reached out to North Star Mall for comment and spokesperson said company policy prevents them from allowing any organization to promote or post messaging on mall property.
