Animal advocates have long spoken out against the conditions under which elephants are kept in zoos and circuses as being far from natural and often painful and cruel. From lack of stimulation to lack of space, there are issues-a-plenty when it comes to the care of captive elephants.

Fortunately, zoos in cities such Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit, where elephant exhibits have been closed, as well as the United States Depart of Agriculture (USDA) are wising up to these shortcomings. Following the submission of a citizen petition by the group In Defense of Animals, the USDA is now asking for public commentary on the issue.

Between now and December 11th, the USDA will be accepting commentary from the public and In Defense of Animals has put together a helpful page for those seeking to send in their thoughts.

2 Comments

1. 
   Comment by

   Hannah

   on November 20, 2006 at 9:49 am #

   its actually kind of funny how difficult it is to find on the website. you’d think the USDA didn’t want people to comment on this… oh wait…….

2. 
   Comment by

   Jamie Hagen

   on November 26, 2006 at 10:31 am #

   Yeah I know – I tried searching on the website and wasn’t able to find the information via that method either. Surprise!