Putting the Ugly in 'Ugg'
Far be it from me to pooh-pooh anything that has "boots" in the name. But the method behind Ugg boots has me saying "Ugh!"
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Read More Putting the Ugly in 'Ugg'
It wasn't until I read that PETA had asked Miss Australia to not wear her boots (or sheep shrug) in the native costume portion of the pageant that I actually knew anything about Ugg boots. Or about mulesing. What a hideous practice!
According to the article, Ugg uses sheepskin harvested by Australian sheep ranchers through a process called mulesing. In brief, mulesing involves surgically removing strips of skin from the animals' buttocks. It is designed to prevent a condition called Fly Strike or Myasis.
Myasis is a condition where flies lay eggs in a living animal's body. The flies are attracted to open sores, excretions, and infected skin. In as little as 8 to 12 hours, maggots develop and feed on the animal. It is critical to keep skin clean, dry, and healthy, in order to avoid this problem. Fly strike is major problem in, but not limited to, sheep. The article above is directed at pet owners.
Apparently, due to their wrinkly skin, Merino sheep are most at risk for Myasis and the primary victims of this practice. PETA is urging everyone to not buy Merino wool, in order to discourage mulesing and encourage Australian sheep ranchers to raise a different breed. I think that's a tad overkill, personally.
I can see boycotting Ugg boots - and any apparel manufacturer who uses mulesed sheepskin. However, sheered wool, from Australia or anywhere, is not the issue for me. And blithely punishing Merino wool producers is a bit like throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Want to take action? How about visiting the mulesing link (above) and sending a message to the Australian government? I did.

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at Independent Designers
Can't wait to see you online!
Jules

