Lawyers representing the City of Edmonton were in court Tuesday fighting a lawsuit by animal rights groups over the well- being of Valley Zoo elephant, Lucy.

Animal rights groups PETA and Zoocheck have decided to take formal action against the City of Edmonton saying Lucy is being treated inhumanely at the Valley Zoo.

But the city says there is no basis for the groups' argument and wants the charges thrown out.

"There are no problems in relation to Lucy. She is well cared for, we meet or exceed all regulatory standards," said City of Edmonton lawyer Steven Phipps.

The city maintains the 34-year-old elephant receives top care, and is following all guidelines set up by the province.

The animal rights groups have hired high-profile lawyer Clayton Ruby to present the case.

The suit alleges the city is harming the elephant by keeping her in Edmonton, and that by living alone in subzero temperatures in a small cage is cruel. 

The province has not commented on the case because it is before the courts. Ruby says there is a reason the provincial government would not get involved.

"The provincial authority issues the licence. There is no reason why they would prosecute somebody they just gave a licence to," explains Ruby.

The argument over Lucy's well-being is no stranger to national headlines. Celebrities such as Hollywood actor William Shatner and former Price is Right host Bob Barker have stood behind the animal rights groups in their battle to see the elephant moved to a warmer climate.

The judge has not provided a date when he will rule. If he sides with the city and throws out the charge, the battle to remove Lucy from Edmonton will be over.

With files from Kevin Armstrong and the Canadian Press