In a recent investigation by federal authorities, it was concluded that the animals at Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley Ranch are not being mistreated.
An inspector had been sent to the sprawling California estate by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in December 2005 in response to a complaint made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who had based their complaint on tabloid reports that Jackson's animals were living under substandard conditions. Allegations of animal cruelty were deemed unfounded.
On Tuesday, USDA spokesman Darby Holladay said, "Whoever files a complaint, we usually send someone out to check out the situation as quickly as possible. PETA filed their complaint on Dec. 19. On the morning of the 21st, one of the animal care veterinarians went on-site and determined that the animals were in good health."
Jackson's ranch has been home to giraffes, elephants, snakes, orangutans, tigers, swans, flamingos and other animals. The federal animal care specialist who observed the animals last month reported that "they did not have any problems."
PETA's specialist on captive animals Lisa Wathne said that she hoped that the USDA investigation was correct. She admits that prior to filing a complaint that PETA did not attempt to corroborate tabloid reports of the purported mistreatment.
Wathne stated, "Because Neverland is not open to the public, it's very difficult to get information about the place. But when we hear accusations like that -- and many accusations -- we have to take note."
Despite the USDA conclusion, Wathne believes that more should be done. PETA had offered to relocate Jackson's animals to accredited facilities, and now that Jackson is currently residing outside of the U.S., Wathne said that the offer still stands.
Not ones to wait, PETA intends to file a similar complaint with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service because African orangutans and elephants are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
"A real big problem when someone like Michael Jackson or any other celebrity owns exotic animals is it encourages members of the public to do it," Wathne said. "They're encouraging exotic animals as pets, and that just perpetuates the very cruel trade in exotic animals."
However, USDA spokesman Holladay said the facts of past and recent visits to Jackson's home speak for themselves. "I'm unaware of any violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Neverland."
In response to the USDA's findings, attorney Brian Oxman, who had represented the entertainer during his recent trial, stated, "That's very nice and we appreciate it."
Source: Associated Press/Santa Barbara News-Press/USA Today/eMJey