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
