Shocking video has surfaced which shows raccoon dogs being skinned for the purpose of making fake Ugg boots.
The disturbing footage, reported by The Sun, shows the raccoon dogs being pinned to the ground, skinned alive and hurled in a pile.
The Chinese-bred animals are used for their soft fur, which substitutes for the Australian sheepskin used in authentic Uggs. Fake Uggs go for just a fraction of the price, but those who have opted for the replicas may change their mind after seeing the ugly truth about the fuzzy fur that's keeping their feet warm.
Mark Jones, the UK director of Humane Society International, told the Sun:
"The raccoon dogs routinely endure unspeakable suffering. They die a slow, agonising death, their bodies raw and bloody...There is no UK ban on their fur so it's possible these phoney boots could enter the high street."
It's just one more chapter in the battle between animal product-loving fashionistas and animal activists has been going on for years.
PETA is notorious for lashing out at fur-wearing celebs for their fur, leather and even feather garments -- the animal activist group recently criticized Rihanna for stepping out in an ostrich feather top. Rihanna is a repeat PETA offender as are a slew of other celebs including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Naomi Campbell, Rachel Zoe and Kate Moss.
Although we're assuming there will be no problem with fake Uggs amongst the Hollywood/celebrity set. We're pretty certain the stars like the real, ugly, sheepskin thing.