Roger Wood Talks Kangaroo Cruelty With NH Animal Rights Activist

The harvesting of kangaroo skins to become part of sports shoes to be sold in this country has animal rights activists outraged. New Hampshire Animal Rights League recently protested this practice at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester. Joan O’Brien is the president of the organization’s board. She spoke with Roger Wood about their goal to stop this. Australia has responded to queries about the practice, and their commentary is featured in the interview. Dick’s Sporting Goods chief executive officer has not responded to requests for comment.

Joan O’Brien lives in Amherst and is president of the New Hampshire Animal Rights League (NHARL). Founded in 1977, the League is one of the oldest animal rights groups in the country and one of the first to proudly use the term animal rights in its name. Through public education and demonstrations, NHARL spreads the message that all animals should be free from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, and abuse.

Roger Wood is an award winning radio, podcast, newspaper and television journalist, with over 50 years of experience in the media. Roger has spent his entire professional career in New Hampshire. Roger currently serves as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org. In 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Press Association for his work in news podcasts. He is the 2022 winner of the NHPA lifetime achievement award. Prior to that he was honored for his work in broadcast radio news and public affairs. He has produced news and special feature reports for InDepthNH, New Hampshire Public Radio, NPR, and other public and commercial radio stations. He also has produced spot news for CBS Radio. He has produced and narrated some 50 audiobooks and has written three novels. Roger has also moderated political forums for Seacoast Area Chambers of Commerce in Senate, gubernatorial and congressional races. He has also facilitated public policy discussions locally and statewide. He has three adult children and four grandchildren. Roger and his wife Elaine, reside in Portsmouth with their cat Maura.