Animal rights activists petition Uber to drop leather seats

A website that bills itself as the “largest online community empowering people to lead a healthy and green lifestyle” is petitioning popular ride-hailing company Uber to drop a requirement that its luxury vehicles have leather seats. 

Uber currently requires vehicles that are used for its UberSelect service — which is promoted as being a step above its UberX service — to have leather seats and larger interiors than most normal automobiles. 

The petition, from website Care2.com, pushes Uber to offer a non-leather seat option for riders who are concerned about animal cruelty. 

{mosads}”Luxury and compassion should not be mutually exclusive,” the petition says. “As vegetarians know, many comfortable and stylish leather alternatives not only exist, but are sought after. 

“Forcing Uber SELECT drivers to carry leather seats supports animal cruelty and excludes compassionate passengers who want a luxury experience,” the petition continues. “Please sign the petition to urge Uber to drop its requirement for leather seats in their Uber SELECT cars – provide a ‘vegan option’ that allows consumers and drivers to choose!” 

The petition has been signed by 12,475 people as of Thursday afternoon. 

The author of the petition, Care2 member Chris Wolverton, said it is important to hold ride-hailing companies like Uber accountable for preventing animal cruelty.  

“Companies like Uber should be mindful of the practices they endorse and promote, including the manufacture and use of leather,“ he said. “Uber would do well to allow its drivers and riders to choose rides that do not contribute to animal cruelty.”

The Hill is checking with Uber for a response to the petition.