Elephantsforpets - epetition reply
9 January 2008
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to allow the sale of elephants in pet shops in the UK."
Details of Petition:
"We believe that every child in the UK would benefit from owning an elephant. It was my dream as a child to care for these magnificent creatures but at the age of twelve I find that nobody takes me seriously. We would like to make it legal to import african/indian elephants from africa/india to sell in pet shops across the UK. Elephants are creatures that children could learn about better by owning their own and keeping them in easily and cheaply converted sheds. Please take my idea into account. Jack Smithies."
Read the Government's response
The Government agrees that keeping a pet has many benefits, not just for children but people of all ages. However, the Government does not think elephants would make good pets. They are very large animals that are not used to being kept as pets, and have welfare needs that would be impossible to meet in pet shops or people's homes. Elephants can also be dangerous, and it would not be safe for people to be able to keep them in their back yard.
Further Information
