Tony’s Journey - Revisited
Video Courtesy of Big Cat Rescue of Tampa FL
On December 14, 2010 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit to Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin allowing him to keep and display Tony at the truck stop.
The permit renewal by no means discourages us to continue advocating for Tony and for the home and life he deserves at an accredited big cat sanctuary.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/latest/112048634.html
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/latest/112048634.html
Please see this link: http://www.facebook.com/SWTigers for an updated list of ways you can continue being a voice for Tony. Thanks to all of Tony’s friends for you support and dedication to him – don’t ever give up the fight for this handsome tiger’s freedom.
Tony is a 10 year old Siberian/Bengal tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana. Tony is another example of how serious the problem is of private ownership of tigers in the United States where there are more privately owned tigers then there are left in the wild.
Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has bought, sold, bred, and exhibited tigers for over 20 years. In 2003, because of violations and fines, Mr. Sandlin and the USDA made an agreement where 3 of the 4 tigers he owned, Toby, Khan and Rainbow, were sent to Tiger Haven in Kingston TN. The USDA reduced the fines and allowed Michael Sandlin to keep one tiger, Tony.
http://www.lsureveille.com/news/tigers-find-new-home-after-suffering-neglect-1.1196294#5
The Louisiana legislature passed Act 715 in 2006 which prohibited the ownership and sale of large exotic cats, including tigers in Louisiana.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/byinst.asp?sessionid=06RS&billid=HB795&doctype=ALL
Those individuals who legally owned big cats as of August 15, 2006 were grandfathered in under this act. These owners would need to apply for an annual permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and adhere to additional restrictions and stipulations.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=la
On July 20, 2007 The Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote to Michael Sandlin informing him of the new state rules. He was given an application to fill out and submit and was told Tony would be grandfathered in if the permit was issued.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote Michael Sandlin on October 22, 2008 advising him that his application had been placed on hold based upon their discovery of the 1993 Iberville ban. Part of their new rules (LAC 76: V. 115. H.13) require that the facility be in compliance with all local ordinances. It was discovered that the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance prohibited ownership and display of exotic animals such as tigers, but the ordinance was never enforced.
Original Ordinance:
ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
Sec. 3-91. Display of wild or exotic animals prohibited.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild, exotic, vicious animal or reptile for display or for exhibition purposes whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, circuses or veterinary clinics.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-92. Wild or exotic animals as pets prohibited.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild, exotic, vicious animal, or reptile as a pet without having first obtained a license from the animal control shelter.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-93. Posting of notices.
Any person who offers for sale a wild or exotic animal as defined above in section 3-1, definitions shall post conspicuously at the place of sale or display the following notice:
“No person may lawfully keep or permit to be kept in the Parish of Iberville, any live monkey (nonhuman primate), raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, or any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake, tarantula, crocodile or alligator which can normally be found in the wild state.”
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-94. License for wild animals.
(a) The animal control director may issue a temporary license for the keeping, care and protection of injured wild animals or infant wild animals or infant wild animals native to this area which have been deemed to be incapable of surviving without assistance.
(b) Any person wishing to house a wild, exotic animal or reptile as a pet must demonstrate knowledge of the proper care for the animal or reptile involved and must have facilities for their care inspected by the animal control director. It shall be the responsibility of the director to issue or deny a license following the inspection.
(c) Any denials will be explained in writing to the owner.
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the director may appeal such decision to the police jury and district court as provided in Chapter III, Livestock.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-95. Release of wild animals.
The animal control director shall have the authority to release or order the release of any wild animal or reptile kept under temporary license which is deemed capable of survival.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-96. Disposition and impoundment.
Any person who keeps a wild, exotic or vicious animal in contravention of this chapter may dispose of the animal or reptile by removal of the animal or reptile from the parish, by giving or selling the animal or reptile to a zoological park or by releasing the animal or reptile to the wild, to a zoological park, or to a responsible adult who shall remove the animal or reptile from the parish, or dispose of the animal or reptile in some humane manner. The director of the animal control shelter is authorized to release the animal or reptile to any licensed institution for research purposes.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Amended Ordinance: http://bit.ly/i1w8vG
Click on Chapter 3 ANIMALS AND FOWL and then click on ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
Because he was not in compliance with the 1993 Iberville ordinance ban on displaying wild animals, Mr. Sandlin was issued a citation form the LDW&F on November 17, 2008 and given 30 days to find a home for Tony outside the state of Louisiana. Mr. Sandlin was given until December 16, 2008 to relocate Tony.
Mr. Sandlin filed a petition for a temporary restraining order on December 15, 2008 against the LDW&F to stop them from seizing Tony. Judge J. Robin Free signed the order on December 16, 2008.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36235154.html
December 16, 2008 Iberville Parish Council Meeting:
The issue of what to do with the tiger was not on the council’s agenda, but members agreed to let one representative from each delegation have three minutes to state their cases.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36281259.html?showAll=y&c=y
December 22, 2008
A court hearing that had been set for Dec. 29 was postponed to allow the council time to consider amending a 1993 parish ordinance that bars private individuals from exhibiting dangerous, wild animals such as tigers
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36675329.html?showAll=y&c=y
February 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The council voted 11-1 to allow Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, to keep Tony — a decision that directly opposes parish ordinances restricting private ownership of exotic and dangerous animals.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,495805,00.html
February 28, 2009
Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso Jr. vetoed a parish ordinance the council approved on February 17, 2009 to allow a Mr. Sandlin to continue keeping a tiger at his place of business. In his veto message, Ourso wrote that the ordinance the council passed by a vote of 11-1 was deficient because it failed to provide “for permitting conditions to ensure the safety of the general public and the health and welfare of the tiger.”
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/40463797.html?showAll=y&c=y
March 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The Iberville Parish Council voted Tuesday (March 17) to allow Tony the Tiger to stay at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, but only if an upgrade of his habitat will be made.
http://www.postsouth.com/archive/x108134875/Parish-Council-outlines-conditions-for-truck-stop-to-keep-tiger
Michael Sandlin then had to obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A statement from the LDW&F large carnivore manager Maria Davidson read: ”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.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d16-Followup-on-Tony-the-Tiger-in-Grosse-Tete
Contrary to this statement, on December 14, 2009, the LDW&F granted the permit to Mr. Sandlin which allows him to keep Tony on display 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the truck stop.
I have also written/emailed the reporters of these articles as well as those at the LDW&F namely Maria Davidson and Fred Kimmel; Governor Jindal, Louisiana Senators Vitter and Landrieu andSecretary Robert Barham just to list some.
Continue to be a voice for Tony by broadcasting his story, supporting efforts to give Tony the home, care and respect he deserves, and letting those individuals involved in making this decision know of our outrage and objection. We cannot give up on Tony.
Tyler Gamble, Reporter
December 29, 2009 – 4:14pm
GROSSE TETE, La. (AP) – The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete has received a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep Tony the tiger.
Maria Davidson, the department’s large carnivore program manager, says the permit was needed after a 2006 legislative action gave regulatory authority over private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, such as primates, wolves, bears and big cats, to the agency.
Davidson said the legislation prohibited private ownership of the animals, but allowed people who already owned the animals before 2006 to be “grandfathered” as long as they went through a permit process to keep their current animals.
The permit has been controversial with animal rights and welfare activists and others who object to the tiger being kept at a truck stop joining the debate.
http://www.nbc33tv.com/news/tony-tiger-can-stay
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
After over a year-long struggle that raised the ire of national animal rights activists, Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tette, has officially been awarded a permit from the state to keep his 9 year-old, 550-pound Siberian-Bengal tiger, Tony. The Advocate reports that Sandlin has been granted a “Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrapeds, Big Exotic Cats and Non-Human Primates” permit by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Sandlin was grandfathered into a state law that prevents ownership of wild, exotic cats, making him the only permitted private tiger owner in the state. From The Advocate:
Sandlin said he was prepared to take the issue all the way through the court system in order to keep the tiger. But he said it’s not right that once the tiger is gone, he can’t get another one or get the tiger a companion.
The tiger is 9 years old and Sandlin said tigers can live more than 20 years in captivity. “Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
For more on the issue, read The Independent’s February cover story on Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop.
http://www.theind.com/content/view/5413/94/
Updated: Dec 30, 2009 3:57 PM EST
Link To Video: http://www.nbc-2.com/global/Category.asp?c=170893&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4422744&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
“Tony” the tiger can officially call a truck stop home thanks to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Tony probably has no idea how much controversy his life at the “Tiger Truck Stop” has caused, and now his owner is hoping he never will.
“I think it’s a victory that Tony won’t be going anywhere, which is what I started off saying in the beginning,” says owner Michael Sandlin.
Wildlife and Fisheries gave Sandlin a permit to house the nine-year-old tiger.
Normally, state law bans the private ownership of potentially dangerous animals.
But officials decided to grandfather Tony in because Sandlin owned him before the law passed.
“I think the state would have found it very hard to take the tiger away from me.”
The decision puts an end to years of protesting from animal rights and welfare activists.
But the victory could be short lived. At 9 years old, Sandlin says Tony might only live another ten years. And the permit doesn’t cover any new tigers.
Sandlin plans on putting together a lawsuit to appeal the ordinance.
“Trying to get them to change this ridiculous, biased legislation that’s been passed.”
He says he’s passed every safety and welfare test with flying colors.
“He’s got a heater and an AC now. A little pool. There’s a lot more that we would like to do,” adds Sandlin.
And all he wants is to be able to keep a community tradition alive.
“We would like to see the death sentence lifted off this exhibit.”
http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=11748809
GROSSE TETE, La., Dec. 29 (UPI) — Louisiana wildlife officials said a truck stop was awarded a permit allowing it to keep the state’s only privately owned tiger.
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, was the only one of three big cat owners in the state to apply for “grandfather” permits following the passing of a 2006 legislative action prohibiting private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate reported Tuesday.
Davidson said Sandlin’s permit was tied up due to an Iberville Parish ordinance banning ownership of large cats but the parish passed an ordinance in March allowing the tiger to stay under certain conditions. The conditions imposed by the parish include staff training, liability insurance and providing a veterinarian-approved diet for the animal.
Sandlin, who received the permit this month, said he is glad to be able to keep Tony the tiger, but disappointed he will not be able to replace the 9-year-old animal after it dies.
“Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/12/29/Truck-stop-gets-permit-to-keep-tiger/UPI-52471262122232/
Updated: Dec 30, 2009 8:33 AM EST
Featured VideosTony the Tiger can stay at a Grosse Tete truck stop
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) – The owner of a 9-year-old Siberian tiger named Tony has received the final permit necessary to keep the animal on display at his truck stop off Interstate 10 in Grosse Tete. Michael Sandlin, owner of Tiger Truck Stop said he’s relieved the long process is finally over.
“It’s been a real struggle,” Sandlin said. “We’re very thankful to the community, to the state, to Wildlife and Fisheries for issuing the permit. Tony won’t be going anywhere.”
In 2006, the Louisiana Legislature outlawed private citizens from obtaining large cats, but since Tony was already in captivity, he was allowed to stay. After Iberville Parish gave its blessing, it was up to Wildlife and Fisheries for final approval. A spokesman for the agency said they only issued the permit after rigorous inspections, which included mandatory upgrades to the tiger’s exhibit.
“It was a very detailed process, our wildlife biologist consulted with big game vets, zoo exhibit professionals and big game keepers,” said Bo Boehringer with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “From our standpoint, we feel like Mr. Sandlin has met the basic criteria to keep the tiger.”
Sandlin has installed higher fences and climate control, posted the proper signs and escape plans, obtained proper insurance and improved sanitary conditions at the truck stop. Tony already receives regular health checks and his diet is approved by a veterinarian.
However, some animal rights activists think the changes are still not enough. Members of the Facebook group, “Save Tony the Tiger from Michael Sandlin,” vow to keep fighting.
“Tony could live maybe another 10 years,” said James Platt, the group’s moderator. “It just wouldn’t be right to drop it and forget about it. I’m not sure if there’s any or very many legal avenues to pursue, but there has to be something that can be done.”
Sandlin said he welcomes the fight, insisting he’s already won the battle. Once Tony is gone, private citizens, including Sandlin, will not be allowed to own tigers. Until then, state, parish and federal officials will make random inspections of Tony’s exhibit.
Tigers in captivity can live up to 20 years.
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11746526
Tony the tiger paces in his cage at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete in November 2008. Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin received a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Dec. 14, 2009 which will allow him to keep the tiger.
Advocate staff writer
Published: Dec 29, 2009
The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete has received a permit to keep Tony the tiger, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The permit was needed after a 2006 legislative action gave regulatory authority over private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, such as primates, wolves, bears and big cats, to the agency, said Maria Davidson, the department’s large carnivore program manager.
“These are not animals that need to be in the private sector,” Davidson said.
The legislation prohibited private ownership of the animals, but allowed people who already owned the animals before 2006 to be “grandfathered” as long as they went through a permit process to keep their current animals, Davidson said.
There were three people in the state who owned big cats and two of them decided to not keep the animals, Davidson said. The animals were taken to other facilities, she said.
The third person, Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, wanted to keep his Siberian-Bengal tiger and started work on getting the permit, Davidson said.
However, Iberville Parish officials told Wildlife and Fisheries officials during that process that there was a parish ordinance prohibiting large cat ownership, Davidson said.
Because one of the state agency’s requirements for a permit was that it had to meet local regulations, Sandlin’s permit could not be processed, she said.
Then in March, the Iberville Parish Council approved an ordinance that allowed Sandlin’s tiger to stay with conditions, such as carrying liability insurance, training staff on how to deal with any tiger escape and specifying that the tiger’s diet be approved by a licensed veterinarian.
That opened the path for Sandlin to move forward with getting a “Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrupeds, Big Exotic Cats and Non-Human Primates” permit from the state on Dec. 14.
Sandlin said he was prepared to take the issue all the way through the court system in order to keep the tiger. But he said it’s not right that once the tiger is gone, he can’t get another one or get the tiger a companion.
The tiger is 9 years old and Sandlin said tigers can live more than 20 years in captivity.
“Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
According to an inspection letter from Wildlife and Fisheries in September, Sandlin was required to do a number of things before a permit would be granted.
Those steps included raising the perimeter fence from 7 feet to 8 feet, changing the insurance policy, updating an escape plan and installing a safety sign that says “Danger, Wild Animal on Premises.”
The permit has been controversial with animal rights and welfare activists and others who object to the tiger being kept at a truck stop joining the debate.
Davidson said her department received many e-mails from around the world asking the department not to grant the permit.
“I am very sorry to hear that the tiger will continue to live in that miserable situation,” Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary in Tampa, Fla., wrote in an e-mailed response to questions Monday.
However, the facility meets the department requirements, Davidson said.
Despite allegations of unsanitary conditions and of the tiger being unhealthy, Davidson said that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“I stopped by there periodically just to see,” Davidson said.
The tiger is being fed a standard zoo diet, is in decent health and has an enclosure with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter, she said.
“I know if we felt those conditions were not humane or not up to standard, then we wouldn’t have issued a permit,” Davidson said.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/80246892.html?showAll=y&c=y
After a year and more of challenges to the legality of Tony the truckstop tiger’s residence at the Gross Tete, La., Tiger Truck Stop by animal rights activists, the AP reports the owners have obtained necessary permits from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep the tiger. South Carolina-based hauler Kris Ewing took the opportunity of a Christmas run to Laredo to stop in and take a few pictures of Tony and the truckstop. (Photos taken on December 20th, 2009)
http://www.overdriveonline.com/permitting-tony-the-truckstop-tiger/
photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12056083@N06/sets/72157622913383219/
In 2010, major organizations supported Tony: a WSPA sponsored petition gathered over 40,000 signatures; on November 22, 2010 , The Animal Legal Defense Fund petitioned the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries objecting to the permit renewal. Included in the petition were expert statements testifying to the detrimental effects physically and mentally to Tony by keeping him at the truck stop. Legal issues, such as Tony being illegally owned per the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance, were addressed as well. The World Wildlife’s Fund’s report Tigers Among US included Tony in their interactive map, change.org pushed Tony’s petition and also showcased his story and Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida advocated for Tony and his relocation to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Carole Baskin, CEO & Founder of BCR, spoke on behalf of Tony on ”Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell” and BCR has continually networked Tony’s story, produced videos of Tony, and issued an action alert for Tony’s supporters to sign which reached key decision makers regarding the permit renewal. BCR’s offer of a permanent home for Tony at their sanctuary was refused by Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. Despite people worldwide objecting to the permit renewal and the support of the aforementioned organizations, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit on December 14, 2010, allowing Mr. Sandlin to keep and display Tony.
July 2010 marked Tony’s tenth year of life as well as ten years at the truck stop. A captive tiger’s lifespan with the proper medical care, diet, habitat and enrichment is 15 to 20 years. Tony lives amid the noise and fumes of car and trucks continually, and his primary dwelling is a concrete and steel enclosure. He has no real opportunity to run, swim and receives little enrichment. His health, safety, welfare and quality of life are of great concern to many people all over the world. Big Cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide a permanent home for Tony. The Free Tony The Tiger Campaign is committed to relocating Tony to such a sanctuary so he may live the rest of his years in peace and with the care and respect this magnificent cat deserves.
More links for Tony:
Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has bought, sold, bred, and exhibited tigers for over 20 years. In 2003, because of violations and fines, Mr. Sandlin and the USDA made an agreement where 3 of the 4 tigers he owned, Toby, Khan and Rainbow, were sent to Tiger Haven in Kingston TN. The USDA reduced the fines and allowed Michael Sandlin to keep one tiger, Tony.
http://www.lsureveille.com/news/tigers-find-new-home-after-suffering-neglect-1.1196294#5
The Louisiana legislature passed Act 715 in 2006 which prohibited the ownership and sale of large exotic cats, including tigers in Louisiana.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/byinst.asp?sessionid=06RS&billid=HB795&doctype=ALL
Those individuals who legally owned big cats as of August 15, 2006 were grandfathered in under this act. These owners would need to apply for an annual permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and adhere to additional restrictions and stipulations.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=la
On July 20, 2007 The Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote to Michael Sandlin informing him of the new state rules. He was given an application to fill out and submit and was told Tony would be grandfathered in if the permit was issued.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote Michael Sandlin on October 22, 2008 advising him that his application had been placed on hold based upon their discovery of the 1993 Iberville ban. Part of their new rules (LAC 76: V. 115. H.13) require that the facility be in compliance with all local ordinances. It was discovered that the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance prohibited ownership and display of exotic animals such as tigers, but the ordinance was never enforced.
Original Ordinance:
ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
Sec. 3-91. Display of wild or exotic animals prohibited.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept on his premises any wild, exotic, vicious animal or reptile for display or for exhibition purposes whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions, circuses or veterinary clinics.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-92. Wild or exotic animals as pets prohibited.
No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild, exotic, vicious animal, or reptile as a pet without having first obtained a license from the animal control shelter.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-93. Posting of notices.
Any person who offers for sale a wild or exotic animal as defined above in section 3-1, definitions shall post conspicuously at the place of sale or display the following notice:
“No person may lawfully keep or permit to be kept in the Parish of Iberville, any live monkey (nonhuman primate), raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, or any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake, tarantula, crocodile or alligator which can normally be found in the wild state.”
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-94. License for wild animals.
(a) The animal control director may issue a temporary license for the keeping, care and protection of injured wild animals or infant wild animals or infant wild animals native to this area which have been deemed to be incapable of surviving without assistance.
(b) Any person wishing to house a wild, exotic animal or reptile as a pet must demonstrate knowledge of the proper care for the animal or reptile involved and must have facilities for their care inspected by the animal control director. It shall be the responsibility of the director to issue or deny a license following the inspection.
(c) Any denials will be explained in writing to the owner.
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the director may appeal such decision to the police jury and district court as provided in Chapter III, Livestock.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-95. Release of wild animals.
The animal control director shall have the authority to release or order the release of any wild animal or reptile kept under temporary license which is deemed capable of survival.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Sec. 3-96. Disposition and impoundment.
Any person who keeps a wild, exotic or vicious animal in contravention of this chapter may dispose of the animal or reptile by removal of the animal or reptile from the parish, by giving or selling the animal or reptile to a zoological park or by releasing the animal or reptile to the wild, to a zoological park, or to a responsible adult who shall remove the animal or reptile from the parish, or dispose of the animal or reptile in some humane manner. The director of the animal control shelter is authorized to release the animal or reptile to any licensed institution for research purposes.
(Ord. of 4-20-93)
Amended Ordinance: http://bit.ly/i1w8vG
Click on Chapter 3 ANIMALS AND FOWL and then click on ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
ARTICLE V. KEEPING OF WILD, EXOTIC, VICIOUS ANIMALS AND REPTILES
Except as provided herein, no person shall keep or permit to be kept on any premises or within the Parish of Iberville, Louisiana, any wild, exotic, vicious animal or reptile for display or for exhibition purposes, whether gratuitously or for a fee. This section shall not apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or circuses that are properly licensed by federal, state and local agencies, or veterinary clinics.
Exemption:
(1) The tiger that is currently located at the Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., in Grosse Tete, having been located in Iberville Parish as of August 15, 2006, shall be exempt from the provisions in the above paragraph of this section, provided the owner obtain a permit annually from the Director of the Iberville Parish Animal Control Department. Upon the death of this tiger, the transfer of ownership of the tiger from its current owner as identified on any permit application, the legal transfer of the tiger out of parish or the removal of the tiger from Iberville Parish, this exemption from the terms of section 3-91 hereinabove, shall automatically cease and the permit issued by the director shall be automatically cancelled.
(2) Any license that may be issued by the animal control director or other designee relative to the tiger currently located at Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., in Grosse Tete, Louisiana shall be ineffective and conditional unless the owner is issued licenses and permits from all other required agencies, including, but not limited to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the United States Department of Agriculture. If the owner is not issued a license or permit by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the United Stated Department of Agriculture, within ninety (90) days of the issuance of the conditional permit issued by the Iberville Parish Council Director of Animal Control then the conditional permit that was issued shall be automatically cancelled and the tiger removed from Iberville Parish.
(3) The revocation or refusal to issue or renew a license by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or the United States Department of Agriculture or any other agency that may be authorized to issue a license/permit relative to the tiger at the Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., shall automatically terminate any license/permit that is issued by the Iberville Parish Council Director of Animal Control.
(4) The owner of the tiger at Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., shall provide to the Iberville Parish Council Animal Control Director within ten (10) days of his/her receipt, a copy of the license/ permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and United States Department of Agriculture or any other licensing/permitting agency. Upon receipt of any violation report issued to the owner of the tiger, the owner shall within ten (10) days of receipt of such notice of violation provide a copy to the Iberville Parish Council Director of Animal Control.
a. The following mandatory conditions shall be in place prior to the issuance of an annual license by the Iberville Parish Animal Control Director, and said conditions shall be put in place by the owner within thirty (30) days of the final adoption of the ordinance from which this section derives and if all conditions are not imposed then the tiger shall be immediately removed from Iberville Parish, Louisiana:
1. A detailed written escape plan and written "lock-out" procedures, including a written training program for each, shall be submitted to the director of animal control for approval, and such approval shall be in writing.
2. The escape plan shall designate an individual (natural person designee) who will be responsible for the implementation of the escape plan. The designee shall live and reside on the premises of the Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., as long as the tiger is licensed/permitted to be as said location, and shall the necessary training and ability to carry out all requirements of the escape plan.
3. The approved escape plan shall be distributed by the designee to the Louisiana State Police, Iberville Parish Council Director of Emergency Preparedness, Iberville Parish Sheriff, Chief of Police of the Village of Grosse Tete and the Mayor of the Village of Grosse Tete, either by hand delivery or certified mail and evidence of said delivery of the escape plan shall be provided to the director of animal control.
4. Should the designee for any reason leave the premises of Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., the escape plan shall name a substitute designee and this designee shall have the training and ability to carry out all requirements of the escape plan and shall be physically present on the premises of Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., when the designee is not present on the premises for any reason.
5. The designee, substitute designee, and all employees who will participate in the handling, care, feeding and cleaning of the tiger and enclosure for said tiger shall be trained on the proper lock-out procedures and the escape plan.
b. A permanent log book shall be maintained by the designee or substitute designee at the Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., with the contents, entries and forms approved by the director of animal control. Said log book shall be available for inspection and copying at all times by the director or animal control or other Iberville Parish Animal Control personnel.
c. Clean potable drinking water shall be available to the tiger at all times.
d. All areas of the tiger cage shall be cleaned daily, with all solid fecal materials, urine and food waste, picked up and/or property disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The concrete areas shall be cleaned and scrubbed daily and an appropriate disinfectant approved for use in animal cages shall be applied. The tiger shall not be given access to wet concrete floors after cleaning of the cage. The tiger shall be properly located out of the cage enclosure that is being cleaned.
e. The water pool shall be of sufficient size for the tiger to be fully submerged and to move around in the pool, and the pool shall be drained and cleaned daily.
f. In the enclosed den area of the cage, rubber mats shall be installed for the tiger to lay and sleep on, and during the winter months appropriate heaters shall be provided within the den areas to provide warm and dry conditions.
g. Except when the daily cleaning is being performed, medical or other necessary activities are being performed, the tiger shall have full and complete access to the entire cage enclosure, including the grassy area.
h. The tiger shall be fed a commercial diet approved and prescribed in writing by a licensed Louisiana veterinarian who has knowledge and training regarding the nutritional requirements of tigers in captivity.
i. In addition to the permanent log book required by the director of animal control, all invoices and documents concerning the care, health and maintenance of the tiger shall be maintained by the owner and designee and made available for inspection and copying by the director at any time. The animal control director and all other animal control personnel shall be allowed access to the premises to inspect the permitted tiger, the facilities, equipment, and records for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the requirements of this section.
j. The owner of the tiger must apply annually for and receive a permit for the tiger from the animal control director and the permit application shall be on a form provided by the director and require the following;
1. A signed agreement by the owner, personally and by Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., authorized representative indemnifying and holding harmless the Iberville Parish Council and all other Iberville Parish public agencies and employees, including agents, contractors and the general public from any claims for damages resulting from possessing the permitted tiger.
2. A signed agreement that the owner, individually and a Tiger Truck Stop, Inc., representative will be responsible for any and all costs associated with the escape, capture and disposition of the permitted tiger.
3. Proof of liability insurance from an A-rated (or higher) insurance company in the amount of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for said tiger, valid and effective continuously for the entire license term. The policy shall include a provision requiring notice from the carrier to the animal control director a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to cancellation of the policy. Upon cancellation of any policy insuring the tiger, the tiger shall be removed immediately from Iberville Parish.
4. The owner shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and United States Department of Agriculture relative to the tiger.
5. The fee for the issuance of the license by the animal control director shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(Ord. of 4-20-93; Ord. No. 003-09, 3-17-09)
Because he was not in compliance with the 1993 Iberville ordinance ban on displaying wild animals, Mr. Sandlin was issued a citation form the LDW&F on November 17, 2008 and given 30 days to find a home for Tony outside the state of Louisiana. Mr. Sandlin was given until December 16, 2008 to relocate Tony.
Mr. Sandlin filed a petition for a temporary restraining order on December 15, 2008 against the LDW&F to stop them from seizing Tony. Judge J. Robin Free signed the order on December 16, 2008.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36235154.html
December 16, 2008 Iberville Parish Council Meeting:
The issue of what to do with the tiger was not on the council’s agenda, but members agreed to let one representative from each delegation have three minutes to state their cases.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36281259.html?showAll=y&c=y
December 22, 2008
A court hearing that had been set for Dec. 29 was postponed to allow the council time to consider amending a 1993 parish ordinance that bars private individuals from exhibiting dangerous, wild animals such as tigers
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/36675329.html?showAll=y&c=y
February 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The council voted 11-1 to allow Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, to keep Tony — a decision that directly opposes parish ordinances restricting private ownership of exotic and dangerous animals.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,495805,00.html
February 28, 2009
Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso Jr. vetoed a parish ordinance the council approved on February 17, 2009 to allow a Mr. Sandlin to continue keeping a tiger at his place of business. In his veto message, Ourso wrote that the ordinance the council passed by a vote of 11-1 was deficient because it failed to provide “for permitting conditions to ensure the safety of the general public and the health and welfare of the tiger.”
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/40463797.html?showAll=y&c=y
March 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The Iberville Parish Council voted Tuesday (March 17) to allow Tony the Tiger to stay at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, but only if an upgrade of his habitat will be made.
http://www.postsouth.com/archive/x108134875/Parish-Council-outlines-conditions-for-truck-stop-to-keep-tiger
Michael Sandlin then had to obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A statement from the LDW&F large carnivore manager Maria Davidson read: ”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.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d16-Followup-on-Tony-the-Tiger-in-Grosse-Tete
Contrary to this statement, on December 14, 2009, the LDW&F granted the permit to Mr. Sandlin which allows him to keep Tony on display 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the truck stop.
LDW&F Permit 2009
LDW&F Grants Permit To Tiger Truck Stop 12.29.2009
All of the articles found on the web so far concerning the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ decision to grant the permit to the Tiger Truck Stop are listed here. The permit was granted on December 14th 2009. Please take the time to visit the actual links to these articles and post comments where there is an option to do so.I have also written/emailed the reporters of these articles as well as those at the LDW&F namely Maria Davidson and Fred Kimmel; Governor Jindal, Louisiana Senators Vitter and Landrieu andSecretary Robert Barham just to list some.
Continue to be a voice for Tony by broadcasting his story, supporting efforts to give Tony the home, care and respect he deserves, and letting those individuals involved in making this decision know of our outrage and objection. We cannot give up on Tony.
- Tony the Tiger can stay
Tyler Gamble, Reporter
December 29, 2009 – 4:14pm
GROSSE TETE, La. (AP) – The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete has received a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep Tony the tiger.
Maria Davidson, the department’s large carnivore program manager, says the permit was needed after a 2006 legislative action gave regulatory authority over private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, such as primates, wolves, bears and big cats, to the agency.
Davidson said the legislation prohibited private ownership of the animals, but allowed people who already owned the animals before 2006 to be “grandfathered” as long as they went through a permit process to keep their current animals.
The permit has been controversial with animal rights and welfare activists and others who object to the tiger being kept at a truck stop joining the debate.
http://www.nbc33tv.com/news/tony-tiger-can-stay
- Tiger Truck Stop wins permit
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
After over a year-long struggle that raised the ire of national animal rights activists, Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tette, has officially been awarded a permit from the state to keep his 9 year-old, 550-pound Siberian-Bengal tiger, Tony. The Advocate reports that Sandlin has been granted a “Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrapeds, Big Exotic Cats and Non-Human Primates” permit by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Sandlin was grandfathered into a state law that prevents ownership of wild, exotic cats, making him the only permitted private tiger owner in the state. From The Advocate:
Sandlin said he was prepared to take the issue all the way through the court system in order to keep the tiger. But he said it’s not right that once the tiger is gone, he can’t get another one or get the tiger a companion.
The tiger is 9 years old and Sandlin said tigers can live more than 20 years in captivity. “Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
For more on the issue, read The Independent’s February cover story on Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop.
http://www.theind.com/content/view/5413/94/
- Tony the truck stop tiger there to stay
Updated: Dec 30, 2009 3:57 PM EST
Link To Video: http://www.nbc-2.com/global/Category.asp?c=170893&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4422744&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
“Tony” the tiger can officially call a truck stop home thanks to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Tony probably has no idea how much controversy his life at the “Tiger Truck Stop” has caused, and now his owner is hoping he never will.
“I think it’s a victory that Tony won’t be going anywhere, which is what I started off saying in the beginning,” says owner Michael Sandlin.
Wildlife and Fisheries gave Sandlin a permit to house the nine-year-old tiger.
Normally, state law bans the private ownership of potentially dangerous animals.
But officials decided to grandfather Tony in because Sandlin owned him before the law passed.
“I think the state would have found it very hard to take the tiger away from me.”
The decision puts an end to years of protesting from animal rights and welfare activists.
But the victory could be short lived. At 9 years old, Sandlin says Tony might only live another ten years. And the permit doesn’t cover any new tigers.
Sandlin plans on putting together a lawsuit to appeal the ordinance.
“Trying to get them to change this ridiculous, biased legislation that’s been passed.”
He says he’s passed every safety and welfare test with flying colors.
“He’s got a heater and an AC now. A little pool. There’s a lot more that we would like to do,” adds Sandlin.
And all he wants is to be able to keep a community tradition alive.
“We would like to see the death sentence lifted off this exhibit.”
http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/story.asp?S=11748809
- Truck stop gets permit to keep tiger
GROSSE TETE, La., Dec. 29 (UPI) — Louisiana wildlife officials said a truck stop was awarded a permit allowing it to keep the state’s only privately owned tiger.
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, was the only one of three big cat owners in the state to apply for “grandfather” permits following the passing of a 2006 legislative action prohibiting private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate reported Tuesday.
Davidson said Sandlin’s permit was tied up due to an Iberville Parish ordinance banning ownership of large cats but the parish passed an ordinance in March allowing the tiger to stay under certain conditions. The conditions imposed by the parish include staff training, liability insurance and providing a veterinarian-approved diet for the animal.
Sandlin, who received the permit this month, said he is glad to be able to keep Tony the tiger, but disappointed he will not be able to replace the 9-year-old animal after it dies.
“Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/12/29/Truck-stop-gets-permit-to-keep-tiger/UPI-52471262122232/
- Truck stop tiger stays put
Updated: Dec 30, 2009 8:33 AM EST
Featured VideosTony the Tiger can stay at a Grosse Tete truck stop
BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) – The owner of a 9-year-old Siberian tiger named Tony has received the final permit necessary to keep the animal on display at his truck stop off Interstate 10 in Grosse Tete. Michael Sandlin, owner of Tiger Truck Stop said he’s relieved the long process is finally over.
“It’s been a real struggle,” Sandlin said. “We’re very thankful to the community, to the state, to Wildlife and Fisheries for issuing the permit. Tony won’t be going anywhere.”
In 2006, the Louisiana Legislature outlawed private citizens from obtaining large cats, but since Tony was already in captivity, he was allowed to stay. After Iberville Parish gave its blessing, it was up to Wildlife and Fisheries for final approval. A spokesman for the agency said they only issued the permit after rigorous inspections, which included mandatory upgrades to the tiger’s exhibit.
“It was a very detailed process, our wildlife biologist consulted with big game vets, zoo exhibit professionals and big game keepers,” said Bo Boehringer with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. “From our standpoint, we feel like Mr. Sandlin has met the basic criteria to keep the tiger.”
Sandlin has installed higher fences and climate control, posted the proper signs and escape plans, obtained proper insurance and improved sanitary conditions at the truck stop. Tony already receives regular health checks and his diet is approved by a veterinarian.
However, some animal rights activists think the changes are still not enough. Members of the Facebook group, “Save Tony the Tiger from Michael Sandlin,” vow to keep fighting.
“Tony could live maybe another 10 years,” said James Platt, the group’s moderator. “It just wouldn’t be right to drop it and forget about it. I’m not sure if there’s any or very many legal avenues to pursue, but there has to be something that can be done.”
Sandlin said he welcomes the fight, insisting he’s already won the battle. Once Tony is gone, private citizens, including Sandlin, will not be allowed to own tigers. Until then, state, parish and federal officials will make random inspections of Tony’s exhibit.
Tigers in captivity can live up to 20 years.
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11746526
Tony the tiger paces in his cage at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete in November 2008. Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin received a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Dec. 14, 2009 which will allow him to keep the tiger.
- Grosse Tete truck stop gets permit to keep tiger
Advocate staff writer
Published: Dec 29, 2009
The Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete has received a permit to keep Tony the tiger, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The permit was needed after a 2006 legislative action gave regulatory authority over private ownership of potentially dangerous animals, such as primates, wolves, bears and big cats, to the agency, said Maria Davidson, the department’s large carnivore program manager.
“These are not animals that need to be in the private sector,” Davidson said.
The legislation prohibited private ownership of the animals, but allowed people who already owned the animals before 2006 to be “grandfathered” as long as they went through a permit process to keep their current animals, Davidson said.
There were three people in the state who owned big cats and two of them decided to not keep the animals, Davidson said. The animals were taken to other facilities, she said.
The third person, Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, wanted to keep his Siberian-Bengal tiger and started work on getting the permit, Davidson said.
However, Iberville Parish officials told Wildlife and Fisheries officials during that process that there was a parish ordinance prohibiting large cat ownership, Davidson said.
Because one of the state agency’s requirements for a permit was that it had to meet local regulations, Sandlin’s permit could not be processed, she said.
Then in March, the Iberville Parish Council approved an ordinance that allowed Sandlin’s tiger to stay with conditions, such as carrying liability insurance, training staff on how to deal with any tiger escape and specifying that the tiger’s diet be approved by a licensed veterinarian.
That opened the path for Sandlin to move forward with getting a “Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrupeds, Big Exotic Cats and Non-Human Primates” permit from the state on Dec. 14.
Sandlin said he was prepared to take the issue all the way through the court system in order to keep the tiger. But he said it’s not right that once the tiger is gone, he can’t get another one or get the tiger a companion.
The tiger is 9 years old and Sandlin said tigers can live more than 20 years in captivity.
“Once Tony’s gone, it’s all over with,” Sandlin said. “After 22 years of exhibiting tigers and owning tigers, there’s certainly an emotional attachment.”
According to an inspection letter from Wildlife and Fisheries in September, Sandlin was required to do a number of things before a permit would be granted.
Those steps included raising the perimeter fence from 7 feet to 8 feet, changing the insurance policy, updating an escape plan and installing a safety sign that says “Danger, Wild Animal on Premises.”
The permit has been controversial with animal rights and welfare activists and others who object to the tiger being kept at a truck stop joining the debate.
Davidson said her department received many e-mails from around the world asking the department not to grant the permit.
“I am very sorry to hear that the tiger will continue to live in that miserable situation,” Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary in Tampa, Fla., wrote in an e-mailed response to questions Monday.
However, the facility meets the department requirements, Davidson said.
Despite allegations of unsanitary conditions and of the tiger being unhealthy, Davidson said that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“I stopped by there periodically just to see,” Davidson said.
The tiger is being fed a standard zoo diet, is in decent health and has an enclosure with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter, she said.
“I know if we felt those conditions were not humane or not up to standard, then we wouldn’t have issued a permit,” Davidson said.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/80246892.html?showAll=y&c=y
- Permitting Tony the truckstop tiger
After a year and more of challenges to the legality of Tony the truckstop tiger’s residence at the Gross Tete, La., Tiger Truck Stop by animal rights activists, the AP reports the owners have obtained necessary permits from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep the tiger. South Carolina-based hauler Kris Ewing took the opportunity of a Christmas run to Laredo to stop in and take a few pictures of Tony and the truckstop. (Photos taken on December 20th, 2009)
"The individuals deciding Tony’s fate had the opportunity to give him a safe, clean home with proper medical care, food and enrichment, and still they chose to let him continue to suffer at the truck stop.Tony is exploited 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and breathes in the fumes and endures the noise of trucks and cars, as well as the taunting of ignorant people. Surely this is not a healthy environment for him. How can anyone condone such living conditions as these for any animal?Laws were broken and changed to cater to one individual, Michael Sandlin, whose greed, selfishness and cruelty were more important to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries than the welfare of Tony.People all over the world voiced their concern for Tony on social networking sites, by signing petitions and contacting the LDW&F and anyone else who they thought could help free Tony, but their pleas went unanswered and were ignored.Sandlin was offered a home for Tony at an accredited big cat sanctuary, but refused. If he truly cared about Tony he would have released him to such a sanctuary, but his only concern is to exploit Tony as a money-making gimmick.To allow such a blatant display of animal cruelty to continue is very sad and disturbing and makes one wonder what more was involved in this decision. All those involved in this horrendous verdict, as well as those who did nothing to help Tony, should be ashamed – to allow this magnificent cat to continue to suffer is in itself a cruel and inhumane act."
http://www.overdriveonline.com/permitting-tony-the-truckstop-tiger/
photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12056083@N06/sets/72157622913383219/
In 2010, major organizations supported Tony: a WSPA sponsored petition gathered over 40,000 signatures; on November 22, 2010 , The Animal Legal Defense Fund petitioned the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries objecting to the permit renewal. Included in the petition were expert statements testifying to the detrimental effects physically and mentally to Tony by keeping him at the truck stop. Legal issues, such as Tony being illegally owned per the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance, were addressed as well. The World Wildlife’s Fund’s report Tigers Among US included Tony in their interactive map, change.org pushed Tony’s petition and also showcased his story and Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida advocated for Tony and his relocation to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Carole Baskin, CEO & Founder of BCR, spoke on behalf of Tony on ”Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell” and BCR has continually networked Tony’s story, produced videos of Tony, and issued an action alert for Tony’s supporters to sign which reached key decision makers regarding the permit renewal. BCR’s offer of a permanent home for Tony at their sanctuary was refused by Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. Despite people worldwide objecting to the permit renewal and the support of the aforementioned organizations, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit on December 14, 2010, allowing Mr. Sandlin to keep and display Tony.
July 2010 marked Tony’s tenth year of life as well as ten years at the truck stop. A captive tiger’s lifespan with the proper medical care, diet, habitat and enrichment is 15 to 20 years. Tony lives amid the noise and fumes of car and trucks continually, and his primary dwelling is a concrete and steel enclosure. He has no real opportunity to run, swim and receives little enrichment. His health, safety, welfare and quality of life are of great concern to many people all over the world. Big Cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide a permanent home for Tony. The Free Tony The Tiger Campaign is committed to relocating Tony to such a sanctuary so he may live the rest of his years in peace and with the care and respect this magnificent cat deserves.
More links for Tony:
FREEDOM~For Tony the Tiger
{Please Join and Follow Tony's Blogs for Contact Info. and Updates}
http://on.fb.me/fem05t
WE WILL FIGHT EVEN HARDER NOW THAT YOU ARE WEAK
http://untilhislastbreath.blogspot.com/
TIGERS DON’T BELONG AT TRUCK STOPS
http://tigersdontbelongattruckstops.blogspot.com/
TIGER TRUCK STOP
http://tigertruckstop.blogspot.com/
SAVE TONY THE TIGER
http://freetonythetiger.blogspot.com/
OUR CIRCLE OF COMPASSION
http://circleofcompassion.blogspot.com/
Truck Stop Boycott
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Truck-Stop-Boycott/124526357607493
Freiheit für Tiger Tony
http://truckstopboycott.blogspot.com/
Free Tony the Tiger UK Group
http://on.fb.me/eVAQBQ
Born to Be Wild: Tiger Persecution and Advocacy
http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/thesis/malcom_2005_msc.pdf
Tony The Truck Stop Tiger Playlist
http://bit.ly/ggzdMI
FREE Tony the truckstop tiger!
★ ☆ Sky Williamson /Wild Time Radio /Tony The Tiger /Animal Rights ☆ ★
http://bit.ly/gGo0wj
FREEDOM~For Tony the Tiger
★Please REMEMBER to Attach the Photos of him★
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324568&id=509497027&l=9d5410b123
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=333652&id=509497027&l=b467eb124d
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/TruckStopTiger
Boycott TIGER TRUCK STOP {PETITION}
™FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN~'Will Remain Open Until His Last Breath'
http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott_tiger_truck_stop#?opt_new=f&opt_fb=t
{Please Join and Follow Tony's Blogs for Contact Info. and Updates}
http://on.fb.me/fem05t
WE WILL FIGHT EVEN HARDER NOW THAT YOU ARE WEAK
http://untilhislastbreath.blogspot.com/
TIGERS DON’T BELONG AT TRUCK STOPS
http://tigersdontbelongattruckstops.blogspot.com/
TIGER TRUCK STOP
http://tigertruckstop.blogspot.com/
SAVE TONY THE TIGER
http://freetonythetiger.blogspot.com/
OUR CIRCLE OF COMPASSION
http://circleofcompassion.blogspot.com/
Truck Stop Boycott
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Truck-Stop-Boycott/124526357607493
Freiheit für Tiger Tony
http://truckstopboycott.blogspot.com/
Free Tony the Tiger UK Group
http://on.fb.me/eVAQBQ
Born to Be Wild: Tiger Persecution and Advocacy
http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/thesis/malcom_2005_msc.pdf
Tony The Truck Stop Tiger Playlist
http://bit.ly/ggzdMI
My wall is full of Tony information. For those of you that do not know if you scroll all the way down to the bottom right under the last post on the left hand side you will see ❤ Older post ❤ if you click on that you can go back as far as you would like to get information about Tony the tiger at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana.http://www.facebook.com/SWTigers
FREE Tony the truckstop tiger!
★ ☆ Sky Williamson /Wild Time Radio /Tony The Tiger /Animal Rights ☆ ★
http://bit.ly/gGo0wj
FREEDOM~For Tony the Tiger
★Please REMEMBER to Attach the Photos of him★
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324568&id=509497027&l=9d5410b123
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=333652&id=509497027&l=b467eb124d
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/TruckStopTiger
Boycott TIGER TRUCK STOP {PETITION}
™FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN~'Will Remain Open Until His Last Breath'
http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott_tiger_truck_stop#?opt_new=f&opt_fb=t
All the pictures used to make these videos by the account on YouTube by FreeTonyTheTiger are
©Sky Williamson 2008 – 2011, All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment