Friday 7th, October 2011
Humane Society International’s investigation has uncovered dog fur entering Australia, unchecked by
customs at our borders. Tests have proven that various garments and ugg boots have been found to
contain dog hair and, while most retailers and Australian consumers show support for the ban, we are
disappointed that the government will not take further action to implement stricter importation laws
and penalties.
The sheepskin boots we examined were branded UGG - THE MUG SHOT and can still be seen selling
on the website www.uggies.com.au

This style of boot is named long foxy. As you can see the product is made from sheepskin but is
trimmed with dog hair. However, there is no country of origin, yet the boots are clearly labelled that
Australian Merino Sheepskin was used.
Although the Australian government will not take action, we are concerned that the Australian people
and the Australian Manufacturing industry would be tarnished with these internationally denounced
practices.
Iconic Australian businesses such Luda Productions, whose family business has been manufacturing
sheepskin ugg boots under the Australian trademarked brand name "UGG Australia" for 30 years in
Australia and internationally as "Pure Oz,” only uses 100% Australian sheepskin. They source from
Australia and process in their own Australian Sheepskin tannery, then cut,
stitch and glue every part of the boots within their own Australian factory.
Their company has never and will never use any canine materials in their
products. They are devoted to staying Australian made and controlling
every part of the production process.
We rely on Government to protect us and uphold the law. The current
situation shows that they are doing neither. Good Australian companies are
having their reputation tarnished because cheap imports are being allowed
to deceive consumers, and millions of dogs are being slaughtered every year
to support a cruel trade that could be stopped if the laws that were adopted
to close down the trade routes were being adhered to.

Other fashion items proven to contain dog hair are these types of jackets.

For more information see
6.30 with George Negus or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWZ08qws2oo
To join in our petition to the government asking them to take action against this behaviour please
sign or http://www.hsi.org.au/?catID=159
Contact: Verna Simpson, HSI Director, (02) 9973 1728

UGG AUSTRALIA RESPONDS TO CLAIMS ABOUT THE USE OF RACCOON DOG FUR IN UGG BOOTS

MEDIA STATEMENT

Issued Friday 7 October, 2011

UGG AUSTRALIA RESPONDS TO CLAIMS ABOUT THE USE OF RACCOON DOG FUR IN UGG BOOTS

For 30 years, Luda Production Pty Ltd has been manufacturing sheepskin ugg boots under the Australian trademarked brand name "UGG Australia" in Australia and internationally as "Pure Oz". For more details please see www.uggaustralia.com.au and www.pureoz.com.

Our company uses only 100% Australian sheepskin, which we source from Australia and process in our own Australian sheepskin tannery, then cut, stitch and glue every part of the boots within our own Australian factory. We are devoted to staying Australian made and controlling every part of the production process, ensuring our customers enjoy the best quality craftsmanship, and designs.

  

We are shocked and disturbed by claims that other sheepskin ugg boot manufacturers would willingly support such inhuman practices. Our company has never and will never use any canine materials in our products.

 We urge the government to enforce stricter labelling laws surrounding, country of origin and materials used. We would like to protect the iconic Australian ugg boot and the manufacturers that built and support its ethical Australian reputation.

Lena McDonald, General Manager – UGG Australia.

+61 (0)3 9386 5544

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWZ08qws2oo

ENDS

For any further information please contact pr@uggaustralia.com.au or

call us on +61 3 9386 5544

UGG AUSTRALIA FIGHT U.S ATTACK ON AUSSIE ICON

The UGG AUSTRALIA story was told beautifully on the 6PM with George Negus Program last Wednesday. We have faced some tough times over the last couple of years, fighting to keep our Australian icon on our soil, so we hope you continue to support us!

The team from George Negus visited our tannery just outside of Melbourne, which my Dad manages day to day  and then visited our factory here in Brunswick. Our employees here were great ‘stars’ for the day and we can’t wait to continue handcrafting the sheepskin boots that Australians know and love.

A big thank you to the team from 6PM with George Negus.

You can see the clip here: http://ten.com.au/ten-news-6pm-with-George-Negus.htm

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone.

Thank you to all our wonderful retailers, staff and customers.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Ugg Australia gifts.

What does it take to be an Australia Sheepskin manufacturer?

Courage, determination and passion.

When the first 2 skins were laid out on a kitchen table 29 years ago, who would have thought we could build a company that defines an Australian Icon.

The family’s stubborn characters, have maintained that we stay truly Australian made. Sure we could go offshore or part produce, like some of our competitors. Sure there would be more money in the short term. More sales, bigger margins, better profits. When Australia’s fashion industry started to close its factories and move offshore, I was warned we would fail, told I should close production while I still could.

But where is the detail, where is the pride and where is the love?

Being a part of this business all my life, I grew up with cutting knifes, stitches, colour roller coating this amazing material. Packing boxes, chasing accounts and selling trips. I learnt life through these boots and am happy with the lessons they have taught me.

This business is tough, challenging and rewarding. We all take such pride in the products and peoples enjoyment of them. How can you go wrong providing people with warmth and comfort? It’s our gift to the world.