Give Leather the Boot! PETA Pitches Anti-Leather Display for Hat ‘n’ Boots Sculptures at Oxbow Park
For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2025
Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382
Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Hat ‘n’ Boots sculpture restoration in south Seattle, PETA sent a letter today to Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Anthony-Paul “AP” Diaz asking him to place a giant banner declaring, “Give Leather the Boot—Please, Wear Vegan,” in front of the Georgetown landmark—the largest of its kind in the world—to urge visitors to restore their compassion for animals by always choosing vegan options.
PETA points out that cows and other animals used for leather are subjected to extreme cruelty, including being bashed in the head with sledgehammers, having their faces burned with hot irons, and being electroshocked. All vegan leathers—whether synthetic or plant-based—have a lower impact on climate change and contribute far less to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than cow-derived leather.
“Every item made from an animal’s skin is stitched with the misery of a thinking, feeling being who didn’t want to die,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “It’s never too late to reboot one’s wardrobe, and PETA encourages everyone to ditch leather for fashionable vegan footwear and accessories that leave animals in peace.”
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
PETA’s letter to Diaz follows.
February 3, 2025
Anthony-Paul “AP” Diaz
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation
City of Seattle
Dear Mr. Diaz:
On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and our more than 64,000 members and supporters in Seattle, I’m writing with a suggestion that’s both kind ‘n’ compassionate: PETA would like to display our eye-catching “Give Leather the Boot—Please, Wear Vegan” banner in front of your famous Hat ‘n’ Boots sculpture in time for the 15th anniversary of its restoration—urging visitors to renew respect for the lives of animals by rejecting leather. Let me explain:
Cows are intelligent, personable animals who develop meaningful friendships within their herd. But they endure horrific pain and suffering before their skin is turned into boots. PETA has released investigative footage showing workers beating cows, bashing them in the head with sledgehammers, burning their faces with hot irons, and electroshocking them. Sheep, horses, goats, pigs, and even cats and dogs are also victims of this indiscriminate industry.
Leather production significantly impacts the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, land devastation, pollution, and water contamination while relying on toxic chemicals during processing. In contrast, vegan leather provides more sustainable, durable, and fashionable alternatives, offering a cruelty-free solution without compromising style or quality.
It’s time we tipped our hats to kindness to animals and gave cruelty the boot! The Emerald City can show its heart of gold—by reinvigorating this landmark with a message of empathy. I look forward to your consideration and to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Tracy Reiman
Executive Vice President
