Urge The LDWF Not To Renew Tiger Truck Stop Permit

[Ed. Note: VICTORY November 4, 2011: Another victory for the free Tony the Truck Stop Tiger campaign: Judge rules in favor of ALDF.]

ACTION FAILED - from Care2.org, January 20, 2011:

More than 40,000 Care2 members asked the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to not renew the state permit that allows Tony to be housed in unacceptable and inhumane conditions at a truck stop in Cross Tete, Louisiana. By signing the petition, you helped raise considerable awareness about Tony's situation.

Sadly, in mid-December 2010, officials from the LDWF decided to ignore our opposition and to instead grant the permit renewal to Tony's owner, Michael Sandlin, allowing him to continue exhibiting Tony as a road-side attraction at the truck stop throughout 2011.

WSPA and Care2 are both deeply disappointed by LDWF's decision and their apparent lack of concern for Tony's physical and mental well-being. WSPA is continuing to monitor Tony's situation and advocate for his rescue and relocation.

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Originally posted 22 Oct 2010

FROM Animals.Change.org

ACTION

Tell the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) NOT to renew the permit that keeps Tony the tiger confined in horrific conditions at a truckstop.

Sign an online petition

And/Or make direct contact:

INFORMATION / TALKING POINTS

Targeting: Mayor Michael Chauffe, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, Maria Davidson (Large Carnivore Program Manager), J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr. (Iberville Parish President ), Robert J. Barham (Secretary), Richard J. Ward, Jr. (Iberville Parish District Attorney ), and Fred Kimmel ((Ms. Davidson’s supervisor))

Description: Off Interstate-10 at exit 139 is Tiger Truck Stop which uses a live Siberian/Bengal tiger named Tony as a gimmick and roadside attraction.

A 1993 Iberville Parish County Ordinance prohibited the display of wild exotic animals as pets but was never enforced. The ordinance was amended on March 17, 2009 to allow Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin to keep Tony.

Mr. Sandlin then had to secure a license from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. LDWF’s Large Carnivore Manager Maria Davidson stated:

“It is the Department’s position that private possession of tigers poses a significant hazard to public safety and is detrimental to the health of the animal. Prolonged confinement is by its nature stressful to tigers and proper long-term care by experienced persons is essential to the health of the animal.”

On December 14, 2009 the LDW&F granted a permit to allow Tony’s owner to keep him at the truck stop.

Some of the dangers to Tony both physically and mentally include:

1. Constant inhalation of diesel fumes as his cage is literally within feet of the gas pumps.

2. Sight-seers continually crowding around his cage and flashing lights in his face from cameras.

3. There are even signs posted asking people not to throw things at the tiger.

4. Living on concrete which has been linked to a painful condition of fluid collection around an animal’s joints.

5. Deafening noise from the big trucks and cars passing through 24 hours a day.

6. Living alone with no enrichment whatsoever or animals of his kind.

Thank you for everything you do for animals!