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Elephants as pets? Not on your nelly, says No 10


James Orr
Thursday January 10, 2008
Guardian Unlimited


Elephants: not suitable for the backyard, says government. Photograph: Frank Rumpenhorst/EPA

The government today ruled out the possibility of allowing elephants to be kept as pets.
The announcement came following a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for UK pet shops to be allowed to sell elephants to the public.

More than 650 signatories supported the petition, which argued that children could get a better understanding of the giant creatures if they were kept as pets.

But the government dismissed the suggestion by the 12-year-old petitioner, Jack Smithies, claiming "it would not be safe for people" to keep elephants.

The bizarre petition stated: "We the undersigned petition the prime minister to allow the sale of elephants in pet shops in the UK. We believe that every child in the UK would benefit from owning an elephant.
"We would like to make it legal to import African/Indian elephants 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."

Smithies succeeded in obtaining 655 supporters. There have been rumours that he received the backing of TV natural history presenter Sir David Attenborough.

Smithies wrote: "It was my dream as a child to care for these magnificent creatures but, at the age of 12, I find that nobody takes me seriously. Please take my idea into account."

African male elephants, much larger than their Indian cousins, can stand up to 3.6m (12ft) tall at the shoulder and can weigh more than 6800kg (15,000 lbs).

The government was keen to give proper attention to the proposal.

In response to the petition, it wrote: "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 backyard."

Elephants are a few steps away from the endangered species list. So it's a moot point.

How many elephants have you got in your back yard Indy?

awww...
Elephants are very social creatures and really shouldn't be cut off from their families and friends by living in the back yards of humans.

I couldn't keep elephants anyway....... I have mice!!

Well isnt this what we have governments for???

I need a backyard...

I've got one...just short of the elephant

so thats why I get funny looks when i walk with mine down the streets in your country...

Well Paws.... I'll donate the 5 I have to some wild life preserve... <x 5 I'll have to gather them out of my yard.

paint it green so it'll blend with the trees and grass

5.... but don't tell, I'm selling them for their tusks

George Orwells ~ Shooting of the Elephant

That's it...the U.K's out for me!!!!!!!!

No dumbo...No me...Damn controlling government!!!!!!!

At least I know the US will take us!!!!!!!!!!!

Elephants? Elephants?? Who wants an Elephant?

Hippos now, they'd be a good pet.

...and I'll give you one if ya want it ......

Yea, land of the free. Bet the US government would let me have my Hippo.

In all fairness........


















































SIZE MATTERS!

Thanx...Dumbos been needin some company...I'm sure he won't even care that she's pink....

Kewwwwwwwwllllllllll...we can be neighbours!!!!!!!!