Michael Jackson is being sued over alleged unpaid vet bills at his private zoo.
The cash-strapped singer is accused of owing animal doctor Martin Dinnes $91,400 for treating the pets at his Neverland Ranch, which include elephants and giraffes.
The eccentric star fled to Bahrain shortly after being cleared of child molestation charges last year.
After he left it was reported that animal food at his zoo ran out, leaving the pets on the brink of starvation. Electricity was also partially cut off at the Californian estate.
Fox News columnist Roger Friedman said at the time: "I am told the situation at Neverland is dire. While Jackson is in Bahrain with his kids and their nanny, some of the electricity at the ranch was recently shut off."
"Also, there are real fears now for the animals in Jackson's home zoo. Last week, the ranch was down to almost no food for the animals. At the last minute, sources say, a delivery was made, but it won't last long."
Dinnes, the owner of Dinnes Memorial Veterinary Hospital, carried on looking after the animals after Jackson's departure.
His lawyer Brenton Horner said his client "has a lot of admiration for Michael", adding: "This is just a business matter." Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mesereau has yet to comment. A court hearing has been set for May 2.
