GuZoo gets indefinite stay

THREE HILLS, Alberta, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The Alberta provincial government ruled a roadside zoo near Three Hills can remain open, but the owner says he wants his day in court.

GuZoo owner Lynn Gustafson said the deal reached between him and the province to indefinitely postpone a judicial hearing isn't good enough for him, The Calgary Herald reported.

"Hell no," Gustafson said Thursday. "I want my day in court. I wanted to show that government can't just walk all over people. Even a murderer gets an appeal, so this is wrong.

"Now, who knows when I will get that chance," he said.

After years of dealing with the provincial government, Gustafson was ordered to decommission the private zoo in June. After that, Gustafson requested a judicial review.

A judge was expected to hear the case Jan. 31, 2012.

However, the government ruled Thursday the zoo, home to about 400 animals, can stay open indefinitely, pending further review of deficiencies involving improper paperwork and confinement.

"The lawyers have determined there is still information to be exchanged and details to sort out," said Dave Ealey, a spokesman for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

Ealey said the zoo will have to follow court-ordered conditions to ensure the safety of visitors and animals.

"There's been no alternative date set," said Ealey, adding the case is "awkward" and "a complicated legal procedure."

Animal rights activists said they hope the adjournment means the province is getting closer to revoking Gustafson's permit and shutting down GuZoo for good.

"I am not sure why this is taking so long," said R.J. Bailot, a spokesman for Zoocheck Canada. "We have already seen enough good reason for government to revoke his permit. I don't know what more has to happen."

Gustafson said he is growing weary of the battle.

"All that this harping has done has cost people money and eaten up my kids' inheritance," he said. "The animals are fine. If they weren't healthy, they never would have lived this long."