Thursday, 6 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.
vest of dog and rabbit fur sold at Wittner
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.
For more information
see 6.30 with George Negus
To join in our
petition to the government asking them to take action against this behaviour please sign |
