Temporary removal of pig from farmyard toy set stirs debate in UK

A retailer selling children’s toys has reinstated pigs in a farmyard set after they were removed in case they might offend Muslims and Jews. The Early Learning Center (ELC) shop had banished the pig from its ‘HappyLand Goosefeather Farm’ after it upset some customers. However, following further feedback, it decided to reinstate the pig but will no longer sell the set in several international markets. Edie Friedman, director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, told the BBC news service that there had been an "overreaction", adding” "There are animals on farms, that's the reality, that's life. It doesn't interfere with anyone's religious observance…These things are often done by other people in the name of minority communities without ever consulting the groups themselves.”

The farmyard set, which sells for around US$ 40 and is suitable for children over the age of 18 months, includes farm animals such as a horse, cow, sheep, dog and chicken - and creates animal sounds when buttons are pressed. A company spokeswoman said the Early Learning Center recognized that pigs were familiar farm animals, especially amongst British customers. ''ELC is a truly global brand, which means we need to be aware of the full range of customer expectations and cultural difference. The decision to remove the pig from our ‘Goosefeather Farm’ set was taken in reaction to customer feedback in some parts of the world. Taking on board all the customer feedback, we have taken the decision to reinstate the pig and to no longer sell the set in those international markets where it might create an issue," she said.