PETA claims Neverland animal abuse

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Pop star Michael Jackson is under attack from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for alleged animal cruelty at his California Neverland Ranch.

PETA has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigation conditions on the Santa Barbara, Calif., estate where it claims Jackson's pets have been living in squalor since he moved Bahrain in June, MSNBC's "The Scoop" reported Tuesday.

"Photos make it clear that the animals are being held in what can only be described as cruel conditions," PETA spokeswoman Lisa Wathne told Britain's Mirror. "They're abysmal, little more than holding cells. Jackson must close this place and relocate the animals to an accredited zoo or sanctuary."

Jackson's camp has declined to comment on the allegation.