Free Tony the Truck-Stop Tiger

Overview Letter

Targeting: Michael Sandlin (Owner of Tony and the Tiger Truck Stop) and Maria Davidson (Biologist; LDWF Permit Officer)

Started by: Mandy Gardner

Tony has lived his entire life - ten years, arguably half of his lifespan - as a truck-stop novelty. He has no companions or quality social interaction, and visitors often remark how he looks skinny and lonely. His 'owner', Michael Sandlin was forced by the US Department of Agriculture to give up three other tigers in 2003 to an animal sanctuary; due to current laws he is allowed to keep Tony but must reapply each year for the permit to do so.

Despite much pressure on the Lousiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Michael Sandlin this past renewal period (Dec 10-Jan 11) the permit was renewed. The LDWF claims that Michael Sandlin is not breaking any laws and therefore may keep Tony in his truck-stop cage.

Please sign this petition to tell the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries that WE deem the ownership and caging of Tony in an unsuitable, unstimulating and unhealthy habitat to be UNLAWFUL.

Outlaw Private Ownership of Tony the Truck-Stop Tiger

Greetings,

No doubt you are familiar with our cause, to remove Tony the tiger from his compound at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse la Tete, Louisiana, and allow a willing animal sanctuary to take over his care.

We understand that the tiger's owner, Michael Sandlin, feels a strong attachment to this tiger that he raised from a cub, and are empathetic up to a certain point. The welfare of this grown tiger, however, is our main concern and so we ask you to seriously consider his welfare as well. Tigers are not novelty items or marketing campaigns, nor are they pets. Sandlin has publicly stated himself that Tony's compound is inadequate and awaiting further construction. When? The tiger has already lived half of his life.

This is serious. We want Tony to have the BEST life that a non-wild tiger may have. Mr. Sandlin surely could visit and interact with Tony if he were moved to a wildlife sanctuary if he so desired.

Please, PLEASE, issue NO MORE permits to Michael Sandlin or ANYONE who wishes to own a dangerous, undomesticated animal! This is threatening not only to Tony but to any people around him. Let Tony the tiger live out his days in a healthier, safer, more stimulating environment.

[Your name]