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The fate of two cheetahs living in B.C.’s interior remains unclear.

Earl Pfeifer owns the felines and is now before B.C.’s Environmental Appeal Board in Nelson.

He’s challenging a decision that denies his application to keep the cheetahs.

WATCH: Cheetah on the loose in Kootenays

“I think it would be worth saying that in 4,000 years there is no record of a wild cheetah killing a human being,” Pfeifer said.

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Three years ago one of the cheetahs escaped and was spotted wandering around Highway 3A, prompting a warning to parents to keep their kids indoors.

Pfeifer has owned the animals for five years and says his goal is to open a conservation awareness facility and educate the public about the endangered cats.

“I’m not sure this is the right area,” neighbour Greg Garbula said. “Certainly a residential neighbourhood on the side of a golf course doesn’t seem like the right fit.”

It is not known what would happen to the cheetahs if Pfeifer loses his appeal.