SHOE COMPANY REFUSES TO BACK DOWN TO GREY2K USA
Skechers, a leading producer of athletic shoes, has refused to back down to Grey2K USA demands that it cancel a promotion featuring a greyhound clad in the company’s signature sneakers. The TV spot was filmed at Tucson Greyhound Park late last year.
On its website, Grey2K reported that Gary Patrick, Sketchers vice president of media,responded to its demands with “a three-sentence letter from the American Humane Association (AHA) stating that no animal was harmed in production of the commercial.”
“This is good news,” says Grey2K, “but hardly excuses the company for promoting greyhound racing.”
AGC Communications Coordinator Gary Guccione said the comment confirms what the greyhound racing community has been saying for years—that Grey2K USA isn’t about greyhound welfare at all.
“By its own words, Grey2K has confirmed that its focus isn’t the welfare of greyhounds, but the very existence of greyhound racing. Their agenda is political, not humane. Skechers is right to stand firm against their radical demands.”
The Skechers greyhound ad will air during the Super Bowl on February 5, an announcement that infuriated Grey2K, which is now calling for a boycott of Skechers products.To counter that boycott,
AGC is urging greyhound racing community members to
contact Skechers and television network officials to express support for the company’sstand. Those executives may be emailed as follows: Michael Greenburg, Skechers President: michaelg@skechers.com; Gary Martin, Skechers Vice President of Media, gpmedia@aol.com; NBC, nbcuniversalviewerfeedback@nbcuni.com
“It’s not always easy to stand up to animal rights bullying,” said Guccione. “We want Skechers to know that we appreciate and respect their backbone.”