No they were not, they were intended to be an alternative if you couldnt get a dog or cat. in other words, they are intended to be an electronic pet, and nothing more than an electronic pet.
pets are to be raised and then slaughtered for food
[im g]http://i.dawn.com/large/2016/08/57a347a66718e.jpg?r=548863356[/img]
Have you owned a pet before?