PETA Yells At Michael Jackson’s Zoo Of Cruelty

There was a time when a story about Michael Jackson would have been about a music video co-starring The Simpsons or the way that Michael somehow turned into a car during Moonwalker.

Now, though, Michael Jackson only ever gets into the news by doing things wrong. The latest thing that Jackson has got into trouble for is alleged animal cruelty to the creatures in his Neverland zoo. The good news is that PETA is on the case, and the extra good news is that is a PETA story that doesn’t include the name Heather Mills McCartney. For once.

Since escaping jail to a fanfare of cheers and newly-released doves after being found not guilty of child molestation last year, Michael Jackson (CDs) has lurched from one problem to another. There was – the still to be released – Hurricane Katrina charity single fiasco and, worse still, a rumoured Westlife collaboration.

And that’s not to mention all the legal difficulties Michael Jackson has faced – the last of which was a lawsuit for unpaid bills
from vet Martin Dinnes. Dinnes claims that Jackson owes him $91,602 for
looking after the animals in the Neverland zoo while Michael Jackson
flounces around Bahrain. But now animal rights group PETA, fresh from arguing with KFC about statues, wants in on the action, too.

PETA
is accusing Michael Jackson of animal cruelty. It would like to see the
Neverland zoo closed down after aerial pictures were released apparently showing – among
other things – a giraffe standing a pool of it’s own blood, elephants
standing in poo and an alligator swimming in a pool just slightly wider
than itself. PETA has sent a letter to the US Department of Agriculture
requesting an investigation, and PETA spokesperson Lisa Wathne 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."

hecklerspray,
ever keen to help out with lubricating social change, has stumbled
across a stunning plan for compromise that should make every party
happy. We say Michael should sell all of his animals to Pete Burns, who
could probably get a whole new wardrobe out of them. Pete’s happy
because he’s some new clothes, Michael is happy because he’s made some
money and PETA is happy because the zoo will close. Everyone’s a winner.

You’re welcome.

Read more:

Jackson’s ‘Cruel’ Zoo – This Is London

[story by Stuart Heritage]