Animal activists at PETA are urging Arizona police officials to "confiscate" two of MICHAEL JACKSON's giraffes after learning their mates have died.
Lisa Wathne, the organisation's captive exotic animal specialist, has written to Police Chief Charlie Dennis pleading with him to help her find a proper home for the creatures, which once roamed around Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California.
PETA spokeswoman Amanda Schinke tells WENN, "The request comes after news that two other giraffes acquired from Jackson's estate have died, possibly from improper feeding and/or exposure to cold temperatures.
"PETA wants the remaining animals to be relocated to a facility that can better provide them with necessary care and has offered its resources to help make that happen."
In her letter to Dennis, Wathne informs the police chief that the giraffes are "owned by Voices of the Wild Foundation/Banjoko Wildlife Preserve/Tom and Freddie Hancock."
She continues, "In 2007, the Hancocks purchased four giraffes from pop star Michael Jackson and moved the animals to Page. The Hancocks entered into a lease agreement to house the animals on city property but were subsequently evicted from the property, a decision that the Arizona Superior Court has upheld.
"PETA recently learned that two of the giraffes have died and that the possible cause of death of at least one of the animals was improper feeding and/or exposure to cold temperatures. If this is true, the Hancocks appear to be in violation of state cruelty-to-animals law, and the remaining two giraffes must be removed as soon as possible.
"We urge you to thoroughly investigate this situation and, if applicable, pursue charges against the Hancocks for the deaths of two giraffes and, most importantly, take immediate action to protect the remaining giraffes by confiscating the animals and relocating them to a facility that can provide them with appropriate care.
"PETA stands ready to help find permanent homes for the giraffes and to arrange for wildlife professionals to transport them."

11 January 2010 22:01

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