Animal Cruelty Allegations

Michael Jackson has been accused of animal cruelty at Neverland.

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals the animal rights activists, have demanded a probe into the conditions at Neverland.

PETA claim that giraffes, elephants and other creatures are imprisoned in squalid and cramped surroundings. They also make claims, allegedly backed by photos, that the poor animals have to live in their own faeces.

Lisa Wathne, of PETA, said:

"These photos make it clear that the animals are being held in what can only be described as cruel conditions.

They are abysmal and little more than holding cells. My message to Michael Jackson would be to close this place down and relocate the animals to an accredited zoo or sanctuary."

PETA has written to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking it to launch an investigation into conditions.

As if to add to the animals' alleged woes, employees at Neverland claim that the feed supply is fast running out.

One of the remaining Neverland staff is quoted as saying:

"Most of the staff have gone. Hundreds of people used to work here - now there are only ten or so.

The electricity is only on in some parts of the house. Some rooms have been stripped of everything. Neverland is falling apart."

Jackson is also being sued by Martin Dinnes, owner of Dinnes Memorial Veterinary Hospital, for £51K in unpaid bills.

Brian Oxman, Jackson's lawyer, stated:

"Michael Jackson does not wish to comment on this story."