We at the Animal Legal Defense Fund are committed to doing everything within our power to make sure that Tony finds his way to a reputable, accredited sanctuary where he can live out the rest of his life in an environment that caters to his needs rather than one that exploits him as a profitable spectacle.
To that end, our litigation team has been busy making sure that Louisiana’s big cat ban is defended and enforced. We are currently involved in three separate lawsuits concerning Tony, and with all the various developments, we thought it was time for a big picture overview on where things stand.
The first lawsuit is the one ALDF filed last April to have Michael Sandlin’s tiger permit revoked. In November, Judge Michael Caldwell ruled in our favor, holding that Mr. Sandlin was ineligible for a permit under the state regulations. Judge Caldwell ordered the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to revoke Sandlin’s permit and not issue any new permits. Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop have appealed that decision to the Louisiana Court of Appeal. We are currently waiting for the court to set a briefing schedule, which we expect in the coming months. It’s worth noting that the Department has complied with the court’s order and not issued a new permit to Mr. Sandlin, meaning that Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop continue to possess and exhibit Tony without the required permit.
In an attempt to remedy the Tiger Truck Stop’s open violation of the law, ALDF filed a second lawsuit to force the Department to enforce the state’s wildlife laws and turn Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop over to the District Attorney for prosecution. Unfortunately, earlier this month, Judge Caldwell held that enforcement decisions by an agency are discretionary duties that cannot be compelled by the judiciary, and that our plaintiffs lacked legal standing to bring the case. (Standing is a constant hurdle in animal law cases that limits who can bring a lawsuit. More information on standing is available here and here.) We are still considering our options on whether to appeal the decision. Supporters should understand that the decision in this second case does not undermine our victory in the first case. Judge Caldwell’s original ruling that Mr. Sandlin cannot have a tiger permit still stands, and it is still illegal for Mr. Sandlin to possess and exhibit Tony. This loss means only that we cannot force the Department to enforce the law. The Department has said publicly that it intends to enforce Louisiana law once litigation has concluded. Although that is not the timeline we hoped for (after all, Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are violating the law at this very moment and the Department could seize Tony at any time), we expect the Department will eventually do the job entrusted to it by Louisiana’s citizens: enforce the law and protect wildlife.
The third lawsuit is one filed by Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop against the State of Louisiana, the Department, and Iberville Parish, seeking to invalidate the state ban on private possession of big cats. If successful, the case would not only allow Mr. Sandlin to keep Tony, it could also open the floodgates to captivity for countless other captive wild animals. Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop did not name ALDF as a party to the suit, but given the high stakes, we insisted on being part of the case. We filed what is called a petition to intervene, which asks the court to allow the intervener into the case with the same rights and opportunity to be heard as the named parties. Although Mr. Sandlin and the truck stop objected to our intervention, Judge Janice Clark held that ALDF had a right to intervene in the case and granted our petition. Interestingly, we are now on the same side as the Department, our adversary in the other two lawsuits. Although we wish they were more proactive in enforcing the ban, both ALDF and the Department want the Louisiana big cat ban upheld. The next step is for our litigation team to file exceptions to Mr. Sandlin’s case and an opposition to his request for an injunction against the big cat ban.
We are optimistic that we will prevail and the court will uphold Louisiana’s right to protect public safety and animal welfare by prohibiting private possession of majestic animals like Tony. Our hope is that once Mr. Sandlin’s case is over, the Department will act quickly to ensure Tony’s removal to a humane sanctuary.
If this sounds complicated and frustratingly slow, that’s because it is. In order to manage large case loads and protect the due process rights of litigants, the legal system may take a while to resolve contentious issues. We too are growing impatient with every extra day Tony spends in captivity at the truck stop, and we are doing everything we can to accelerate his release to a proper sanctuary.
Still have questions about the cases? Post them below and we will answer as best we can.
WILL YOU SAVE ME
Tony VERY Skinny
8.01.2012
7.27.2012
Giving Thanks for Tony's Sake
Giving Thanks for Tony's Sake
Dawn Flann says:
Dawn Flann says:
Three long years ago, a Woman stumbled upon a Truckstop, which advertised as WElCOME TO TIGER TRUCKSTOP.
At the time this woman had no idea, that she would find a Real Tiger there, but there he was. TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER…alone in a Concrete Cage, situated right next to this Truckstop. A Truckstop with non stop traffic. Big Trucks coming in, going out..puffing out their diesel and their fumes…idling all night long during the winter months.
This Tiger as we all know today as Tony….left an impression on this woman, that perhaps the majority of us, although would be terribly saddened by this sight, may have perhaps left him as he was, maybe not.
Imagine if you can, this Woman walking up to this cage, seeing what she saw, and then dropping to her knees in disbelief. Imagine her looking at this Tiger, and what her thoughts could have been. Imagine her telling Tony the Truckstop Tiger that day, that she vowed she would help him, if it took until her dying days…..
Three years ago Sky Williamson started I would think…no actually I know, one of the hardest, longest, unexpected and challenging " Fight" of her life. She started a Cause for Tony the Tiger, alone……..
Now we skip to today, three years later, and look what this one woman has done, and look what she was able to do.
I am one of thousands upon thousands that has been touched by TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER. His name, his life has become pretty much known WORLD WIDE. I don't think there is a Tiger loved as much as Tony, and in the same breath he is one of the saddest tigers in the State of Louisiana. He has been on exhibit for all ten years of his life. He has lived and breathed this Truckstop literally since he was a small young Tiger cub. Tony has never had a chance to breath fresh air, to play as a young cat in a open field, he has never had toys or any stimulation. He has never received the proper nutrients a Tiger in captivity should have. He has never had a pool to relieve him from the Louisiana Heat.
What he has had is a Cage to pace in for Ten years. A spotlight on him all night long never giving a moment of darkness and peace. People walking by and yelling at him, throwing things at him, doing anything to make him move so they could get a better look.
Tony has been neglected, under nourished, physically abandoned, mentally tortured.
Tony has been forgotten by the State of Louisiana and its Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries…..but this one Woman NEVER EVER FORGOT YOU TONY. No matter how much she was put down for what she tried to do to help you, no matter how many people shunned her, no matter how many disagreed with her ways to help you. No matter how many times Life through curves at her…she never swayed from her promise to you.
I pray your day comes for you soon Tony. Most of all I pray that your health keeps you well until this day comes. You Tony have changed the lives of so many people, you will never know dear boy….but the impact you have had on us all, makes me believe that JUSTICE WILL FINALLY COME YOUR WAY.
NEVER EVER STOP ROARING FOR TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER. PLEASE NEVER STOP UNTIL HIS ROAR IS HIS AND HIS ALONE.
At the time this woman had no idea, that she would find a Real Tiger there, but there he was. TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER…alone in a Concrete Cage, situated right next to this Truckstop. A Truckstop with non stop traffic. Big Trucks coming in, going out..puffing out their diesel and their fumes…idling all night long during the winter months.
This Tiger as we all know today as Tony….left an impression on this woman, that perhaps the majority of us, although would be terribly saddened by this sight, may have perhaps left him as he was, maybe not.
Imagine if you can, this Woman walking up to this cage, seeing what she saw, and then dropping to her knees in disbelief. Imagine her looking at this Tiger, and what her thoughts could have been. Imagine her telling Tony the Truckstop Tiger that day, that she vowed she would help him, if it took until her dying days…..
Three years ago Sky Williamson started I would think…no actually I know, one of the hardest, longest, unexpected and challenging " Fight" of her life. She started a Cause for Tony the Tiger, alone……..
Now we skip to today, three years later, and look what this one woman has done, and look what she was able to do.
I am one of thousands upon thousands that has been touched by TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER. His name, his life has become pretty much known WORLD WIDE. I don't think there is a Tiger loved as much as Tony, and in the same breath he is one of the saddest tigers in the State of Louisiana. He has been on exhibit for all ten years of his life. He has lived and breathed this Truckstop literally since he was a small young Tiger cub. Tony has never had a chance to breath fresh air, to play as a young cat in a open field, he has never had toys or any stimulation. He has never received the proper nutrients a Tiger in captivity should have. He has never had a pool to relieve him from the Louisiana Heat.
What he has had is a Cage to pace in for Ten years. A spotlight on him all night long never giving a moment of darkness and peace. People walking by and yelling at him, throwing things at him, doing anything to make him move so they could get a better look.
Tony has been neglected, under nourished, physically abandoned, mentally tortured.
Tony has been forgotten by the State of Louisiana and its Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries…..but this one Woman NEVER EVER FORGOT YOU TONY. No matter how much she was put down for what she tried to do to help you, no matter how many people shunned her, no matter how many disagreed with her ways to help you. No matter how many times Life through curves at her…she never swayed from her promise to you.
I pray your day comes for you soon Tony. Most of all I pray that your health keeps you well until this day comes. You Tony have changed the lives of so many people, you will never know dear boy….but the impact you have had on us all, makes me believe that JUSTICE WILL FINALLY COME YOUR WAY.
NEVER EVER STOP ROARING FOR TONY THE TRUCKSTOP TIGER. PLEASE NEVER STOP UNTIL HIS ROAR IS HIS AND HIS ALONE.
7.23.2012
Tony: Twelve Years At Tiger Truck Stop
Tony: Twelve Years At Tiger Truck Stop
Photo Courtesy “Mark of the Beast”
While his case continues to be tied up legally – it’s still very important to remain positive and supportive for Tony and continue to network for him:
Share updates from the Animal Legal Defense Fund and ALDF’s overview of his case: Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Sign and share his change.org petition; Petitions are a good way to keep people supportive, involved as well as demonstrate the interest and support Tony has worldwide. His Care2 petition (now closed) generated over 53,000 signatures.
If you visit Tony, please document your visit with pictures and video and post them. Send us a link to your pictures via Twitter or post a link on Tony’s Facebook page. Recent pictures and video remind people he is still at the truck stop.
Thank you to ALL of Tony’s friends – please know your support and dedication to this beautiful tiger is greatly appreciated and so very important in working towards the home and life Tony deserves.
** To Tony: Stay Strong Handsome Boy – We’ll Never Stop Roaring… **
Photo Courtesy S. Zaunbrecher 2011
7.21.2012
7.19.2012
7.13.2012
Animal Cruelty: Louisiana Truck Stop Proud of its Caged Tiger
Animal Cruelty: Louisiana Truck Stop Proud of its Caged Tiger
Submitted by Animal Legal Defense Fund on Jul 12, 2012
Tony, a Siberian-Bengal tiger, paces on the hard concrete surface of his cage. He has spent every day and night of the last eleven years on display at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana – nearly his whole life. It’s no life for a tiger, or any other animal.
That’s why, despite all legal obstacles, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is tireless in our fight to make sure that Tony finds his way to a reputable, accredited sanctuary where he can live out his life in a nurturing environment, rather than one that exploits him as a profitable spectacle.
ALDF is currently involved in three separate lawsuits concerning Tony – a no holds barred effort to free him from the miserable conditions he’s forced to endure day and night. ALDF’s victory last year against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prevented the Department from renewing the annual permit that allowed Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, to display Tony.
However, the Department has refused to seize Tony until Mr. Sandlin’s own lawsuit against the Department has resolved. Once Mr. Sandlin’s case is over, the Department should do its duty by acting quickly to ensure Tony’s removal to a humane sanctuary.
We are optimistic that we will prevail, and the court will uphold Louisiana’s right to protect public safety and animal welfare by prohibiting private possession of majestic animals like Tony.
That’s why, despite all legal obstacles, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is tireless in our fight to make sure that Tony finds his way to a reputable, accredited sanctuary where he can live out his life in a nurturing environment, rather than one that exploits him as a profitable spectacle.
ALDF is currently involved in three separate lawsuits concerning Tony – a no holds barred effort to free him from the miserable conditions he’s forced to endure day and night. ALDF’s victory last year against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prevented the Department from renewing the annual permit that allowed Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, to display Tony.
However, the Department has refused to seize Tony until Mr. Sandlin’s own lawsuit against the Department has resolved. Once Mr. Sandlin’s case is over, the Department should do its duty by acting quickly to ensure Tony’s removal to a humane sanctuary.
We are optimistic that we will prevail, and the court will uphold Louisiana’s right to protect public safety and animal welfare by prohibiting private possession of majestic animals like Tony.
7.03.2012
6.28.2012
5.24.2012
From PawNation: Celebs Who Support The Paws – Tony & Leo
From PawNation: Celebs Who Support The Paws – Tony & Leo
While reading this article: Vet Saves His Own Cat’s Life After Car Accident on PawNation there was a link to a photo gallery of celebrities who advocate for animals – look who was found while browsing through it:
Mr. DiCaprio voiced his support for Tony on Twitter and Facebook last year stating “We Need To Act Now”
Thanks to all of Tony’s friends for remaining positive and supportive of Tony and the tremendous efforts of The Animal Legal Defense Fund and Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Latest update from ALDF can be found at: Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Please also visit the direct link to the photo gallery: http://www.pawnation.com/2012/05/11/celebs-who-support-the-paws#photo=6
Mr. DiCaprio voiced his support for Tony on Twitter and Facebook last year stating “We Need To Act Now”
Thanks to all of Tony’s friends for remaining positive and supportive of Tony and the tremendous efforts of The Animal Legal Defense Fund and Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Latest update from ALDF can be found at: Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Please also visit the direct link to the photo gallery: http://www.pawnation.com/2012/05/11/celebs-who-support-the-paws#photo=6
5.22.2012
5.17.2012
Silence
Silence
Silence
is something my child knows nothing about, something that was not part of her
make-up, but silence certainly followed what became a turning point in her
life. Silence was the cold eerie, hollowness that followed her visit to a caged
tiger in Louisiana. The silence that followed us home that evening remained
with us the next day and existed until her resolve was once again restored with
a determination to help her friend Tony. It was the silence of an exuberant
child after the cold hard facts are realized.
The
bond between this child and big cats goes way back, perhaps before birth in
some unforeseen heaven, some place where her heart and soul were joined in the
animal kingdom and a special gift was given to the world. Not that I, her
parent would put her on that type of pedestal, but others have witnessed the
insights and events that follow a vision, dream or thought. She has always
talked and walked with a different perspective on wild cats. Genuinely
concerned with the caging, petting and exploiting of these cats she would rebel
at attempted interactions with them until she was old enough to teach us the
difference and express her views confidently.
That
is what brought us to the whole “Tony Situation” as family and friends refer to
it. After learning about the 10 year old tiger in a cage at a truck stop no
less, Breawna relentlessly proceeded to involve anyone in her quest to visit
Tony and speak to his owner. She was appalled that a big cat would be treated
as a roadside attraction for the amusement of passing tourist just like long
ago places displayed animals. Her father and I were nonetheless surprised when
a planned holiday trip was rebuked in favor of the Tony visit and plans were
started. We had previously learned that she would continue on any quest
regardless of the obstacles and wanted her to be fully informed and to realize
that such a large undertaking as a conversation with Michael may not happen and
if it did may not end well on her part.
The
trip did require research and Breawna spent days on the computer, all the time
not believing that any of the situations could be as bad or true as exposed.
Many of her statements reflected that someone could not be treating a tiger
that badly. Once she told me that she had been dreaming about Tony and was sad
that he could only see out of his chain link prison, she also mentioned on
occasion that he was lonely and tired. She insisted that she would video some
pieces and be his voice. Her friends at Big Cat Rescue would benefit from those
videos once taken. All the points she wanted to cover were written down and she
reviewed them often, even with her teacher at school.
Discovering
the , whole story about Tony and investigating what she could do and how she
could effectively be his voice, did not make a difference in her perspective
and I was faced with a determined child who would just not let it go. After
weeks of begging to go, pressure to let her help, the persistence continued
until a trip was finally planned and a life changing journey began.
Breawna
designed a “Free Tony” t-shirt with the help of some school friends and
commissioned an airbrush artist to make the shirt only one week before the
trip.
We
left home the day after Thanksgiving 2010; Black Friday took on a new meaning
for our family that day. The trip started at 3am with an anticipated arrival to
the truck stop off I-10 in
Gross Tete around 12 noon. It’s important to note that after a balmy 80 degree
day we started westward from Florida in 70 degree temperatures that morning.
Prior
to us leaving and during the trip she voiced over and over the thoughts that
also concerned me…
·
What to do if
they tell you to leave? Can I stay by Tony’s cage?
·
Will they arrest
us for being there talking about how Tony feels?
·
What if they
touch me or hit me or throw something at us?
·
Will they have
cameras around too?
Initially she had wanted to
set up a mock cage to spend the weekend in; to raise awareness of how Tony
felt, but after the research we thought it would be better to do a quick visit.
We traveled with an energized 10 year old that chattered
all the way. Traveling with Breawna involves multiple stops due to some joint
issues she has, so it was slow going and took longer than expected. Halfway
there the temperatures started to drop and rain pounded us. Still we continued,
but a clothes buying stop was necessary once the temperatures reached the 50s.
Armed with new coats and sweatshirts we were on the road again. Breawna
purchased a sweatshirt with butterflies adorning the front to symbolize the
freedom for Tony that she was fighting for. Butterflies also were prevalent on
her Tony t-shirt for the same reason.
Finally we arrive to the area and begin looking for the
exit long anticipated for. The temperature was 39 degrees and a steady rain continued
to be a nuisance. It was 3pm in the afternoon and we realized that we had taken
longer than we wanted and that Breawna was already tired and offered to get a
place to stay the night and return early the next morning. You can only imagine
the conversation the followed as we were reminded that spending money in Louisiana
was not allowed and that a wait overnight to visit Tony just would not do.
The exit we were seeking finally came into view and the
child in the back seat could hardly sit still. Up on her knees she saw for the
first time the cage that Tony calls his home. There was excitement as she sees
Tony for the first time, which was quickly followed by silence. We park by the
west side of his cage to prevent the employees in the snack shop from detecting
us while we were filming. I looked into the backseat to see Breawna silently
crying. Her face a witness to the heartbreak she was experiencing. Her voice
laced with shock as she explains that she needed a few minutes to herself, can
we go check the cage out. Knowing that she will finish what she came to do, we
take the situation in as she gathers her thoughts. 15 or so minutes pass and I
need to know that she is O.K. Dry eyed now she is ready to face the demons she
came to conquer and the visit begins. She wanted to spend some time just
observing him and talked to him in a soothing quite voice, telling him that she
was there to help him. She asked him to stop pacing and come to stand by the
cage because she wanted to start taping.
The rain and cold temperatures took its toll on her ability
to speak consistently. In addition we noticed as did she that a man exited the
snack shop and was standing not far from the cage watching while he smoked a
cigarette. Her constant vigilance on him is evident in several shots. She never
asked to quit and never faltered as I continued to worry that we would be
discovered and asked to leave. Filming at his cage took 30 or more minutes and
involved several takes of the different passages that she prepared. Due to her
concerns and the situation we found ourselves in, we encouraged her to use her
notes regardless of her pleadings that she had it under control. Taping had to
be finished before we were discovered and I was worried about the attention we
were receiving from his employees. We were then surprised by her request to go
see if Michael Sandlin was able to talk to her. She insisted even after we
spoke to her about the risk while getting warm in the car. So we find ourselves
in the snack shop being told that he was not around and would not be that
evening. We noticed a t-shirt with a beautiful tiger and stopped to check it
out. That shirt ended up being the t-shirt designed to make fun of animal
activists. Breawna was absorbing the meaning of the shirt when a truck driver
enlightens her to what it meant. The same man who had watched us film at the
cage continued to watch us in the store. With a disgusted look at him, she
flicks her hair and states that she is ready to go to see the stuffed cat over
the salad bar. With no disrespect
intended, I believe she had just enough of the shirt and the situation and she
was angered that she was denied a chance to speak to Sandlin.
We had learned that a white tiger was displayed over a
salad bar in the restaurant, and in her unbelieving mind she could not imagine
that it was true. Upon entry to the restaurant she saw Selena and noticed how
filthy the place was. She mentioned how disgusting it was and that they even
put fake eyes in her, but she could tell how beautiful she had been. As we are
waiting at the counter by the door because another attempt to talk to Sandlin
was requested she noticed a CD with his picture. As we read that it was
Christian music something snaps in that 10 year old and she can’t fathom how he
could be a Christian and cage a big cat like that. It’s time to leave; she is
done with waiting because no-one has acknowledged us anyway. How do I answer
the questions about how could a person who believes in God keep a big cat as a
pet in a cage.
We continue to walk around to see what Tony has to look at
each day and discover oil and gas on the pavement, she mentioned that she wants
to stand there and hear and smell what it’s like to live here and after a few
minutes wants to go say good-by. That’s when we discover that he is still
pacing and that the cold has settled in. It’s getting dark and the cars are
still lining up despite the cold and rain. Other children are viewing the tiger and my
child stands lonely at the chain link with the fallen look of failure on her
face, she really thought that she would be able to talk to Michael and change
his mind. The day has taken its toll on her body but more on her spirit and she
bids good night and good by to Tony, promising him that she will not stop, will
not give-up till he is free.
We leave around 4:30pm that cold, rainy November day with a
much more mature child, one that fell silent as soon as we hit the highway and
we drive home in silence. Even stopping later to eat we could not encourage her
to share her thoughts. We arrive home early in the morning and carry her to
bed. The following day I expected to be actively questioned and was surprised
at the depressed child I was faced with. She wanted to hide and stayed in bed
all day. She needed time to absorb all the ugliness and face the demons that
haunted her. What haunts me the most about the whole trip was the profound
silence that followed us home that day.
I am pleased when on Sunday she comes back to the world
with more resolve to help not only Tony but all big cats in the same situation.
If only more people could see through the eyes of a child and resolve to change
things because they know no other way but the way they want it to be.
There comes a time as a parent that you must make a choice
to allow your child to discover that bad does exist and to grow from their
experiences. I would not change a thing and have been questioned on why I
allowed her to do what she did. But these people don’t live with a persistent
child that relentlessly pursues what she believes in. I don’t want to limit her
experiences just because they are not convenient and pleasant. Even while
protecting her I have to let her go to help her to grow into what she’ll one
day become. Her experiences with Tony’s freedom have given her confidence in
what she does; can and will make a difference. She sums it all up in a story
she wrote about her experience in that it may not end the way you expect, but
doing something for a good reason is better that doing nothing at all.
Would I do it again? You bet…there is no way to stop this
charging spitfire once she sees injustice toward animals especially big cats,
so I expect our future will be filled with journeys and adventures in helping
these cats she so loves.
Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Animal Legal Defense Fund : Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Posted by Matthew Liebman, ALDF Staff Attorney on May 14th, 2012 
The sad tale of Tony the 'Truck Stop Tiger' | IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare
The sad tale of Tony the 'Truck Stop Tiger' | IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare
http://www.ifaw.org/us/about-us/political-advocacy/jeffrey-flocken
The sad tale of Tony the 'Truck Stop Tiger'
Here’s a report from Gina Miller, IFAW’s legal policy analyst, about a captive tiger in Louisiana:
Laws that govern the private ownership of big cats vary widely from one state to another but they do have one thing in common—they’re not enough to protect big cats in private hands. Some 10,000 to 20,000 big cats are kept captive by private owners in the U.S., and they aren’t in zoos but in backyards, basements, garages, sheds and even truck stops.
Yes, you read that correctly: It is legal to keep a tiger at a truck stop.
Tony, a 10 year old Siberian-Bengal tiger, has been kept every single day of his life at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana. Living at a truck stop is no life for a tiger; Tony is subjected to noise and diesel fumes from trucks and kept in a concrete cage with no adequate enrichment or escape from the elements, resulting in constant stress. Ten years of living at Tiger Truck Stop have taken a toll on Tony’s health, according to experts.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham granted a permit allowing for Tony the tiger to be exhibited at the truck stop in Louisiana. After the state permit was issued, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a lawsuit arguing that LDWF violated state legislation prohibiting persons from keeping a tiger as a pet or exhibiting a tiger within the state, but those that owned big cats legally before this law was passed were able to keep their animals.
Here’s the issue: Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, didn’t legally own him because his town’s ordinance made it illegal to keep a tiger on his premises.
The good news is that Tony’s permit expired in December of 2011 and hasn’t been renewed. The bad news is Tony is still being kept at the truck stop in violation of Louisiana law because the judge ruled that the Department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law on big cats. This “discretion” is allowing Tony the tiger to languish at a truck stop.
But Tony will have another day in court. Tony’s owner sued the State of Louisiana claiming that the law against private ownership of big cats was unconstitutional. Advocates for Tony’s health and safety will have the chance to support Louisiana’s authority to protect the public and the welfare of animals like Tony.
There is no reason that Tony or big cats like him should be left to suffer at truck stops due to squabbles over state laws and poor enforcement. As evidenced by Tony’s plight and the tragic Zanesville massacre, a nationwide solution like the Federal Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act, H.R. 4122, is needed. Please urge your U.S. Representative to support the passage H.R. 4122 and protect tigers like Tony!
About Jeffrey Flocken
Work
Jeff leads a team of legislative professionals advocating for US policy initiatives on wildlife conservation and animal welfare in his role as Director IFAW Washington, D.C.http://www.ifaw.org/us/about-us/political-advocacy/jeffrey-flocken
5.14.2012
Animal Legal Defense Fund : ALDF Back in Court Demanding State Take Action on Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, Now Exhibited Without a Permit
Animal Legal Defense Fund : ALDF Back in Court Demanding State Take Action on Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, Now Exhibited Without a Permit
Latest on Tony The Truck Stop Tiger - May 8, 2012
Updates From The Animal Legal Defense Fund
May 7, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, District Judge Janice Clark agreed that the Animal Legal Defense Fund and two Louisiana residents can be parties to the lawsuit filed by Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). ALDF and the other interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. Thanks to today’s ruling, ALDF will now have a right to participate in all steps of the litigation as it moves forward.
In their case, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s intervention in Sandlin’s case will support Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and the welfare of animals like Tony through such legislative measures.
May 3, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, the judge ruled ALDF’s plaintiffs lacked standing in our lawsuit to force the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony the tiger without a permit, in open violation of state law. The judge also ruled that department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law banning private ownership of big cats at this time.
Over 50,000 of Tony's supporter have signed an ALDF petition to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries over the past year, urging them to do their job—we're all getting tired of waiting for the department to do the job it's supposed to do and protect the best interests of both Tony and the public.
Today’s decision in no way affects the judge’s ruling that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop cannot be granted a permit to keep Tony. We fully expect that once all the legal proceedings relating to this case have wrapped up, the Department will do the job it is supposed to do and make sure Tony is no longer displayed without a permit. We are considering our options for appeal in today’s decision, and we are continuing to fight Michael Sandlin’s attempts to delay the inevitable day when Tony will finally go to a suitable forever home at a sanctuary where he can live out his days as a tiger should.
“The eyes of a disbelieving nation have been on this case for well over a year, says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We're all wondering the same thing: why should Tony continue to languish at the Tiger Truck Stop, so many months after the judge’s ruling in our favor?”
May 2, 2012: Two hearings are scheduled for the coming week in the ongoing case of Tony, the eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger kept at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop.
On Thursday, May 3, the court will consider the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s most recent lawsuit against the Louisiana Departnent of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The lawsuit, filed on April 5, seeks to force LDWF to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony without a permit, in open violation of state law.
On Monday, May 7, the court will hear ALDF’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Tiger Truck Stop and its owner Michael Sandlin against the state of Louisiana. Their case argues that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures. An ALDF representative will be testifying at the hearing.
Latest on Tony The Truck Stop Tiger - May 8, 2012
May 7, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, District Judge Janice Clark agreed that the Animal Legal Defense Fund and two Louisiana residents can be parties to the lawsuit filed by Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). ALDF and the other interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. Thanks to today’s ruling, ALDF will now have a right to participate in all steps of the litigation as it moves forward.
In their case, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s intervention in Sandlin’s case will support Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and the welfare of animals like Tony through such legislative measures.
May 3, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, the judge ruled ALDF’s plaintiffs lacked standing in our lawsuit to force the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony the tiger without a permit, in open violation of state law. The judge also ruled that department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law banning private ownership of big cats at this time.
Over 50,000 of Tony's supporter have signed an ALDF petition to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries over the past year, urging them to do their job—we're all getting tired of waiting for the department to do the job it's supposed to do and protect the best interests of both Tony and the public.
Today’s decision in no way affects the judge’s ruling that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop cannot be granted a permit to keep Tony. We fully expect that once all the legal proceedings relating to this case have wrapped up, the Department will do the job it is supposed to do and make sure Tony is no longer displayed without a permit. We are considering our options for appeal in today’s decision, and we are continuing to fight Michael Sandlin’s attempts to delay the inevitable day when Tony will finally go to a suitable forever home at a sanctuary where he can live out his days as a tiger should.
“The eyes of a disbelieving nation have been on this case for well over a year, says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We're all wondering the same thing: why should Tony continue to languish at the Tiger Truck Stop, so many months after the judge’s ruling in our favor?”
May 2, 2012: Two hearings are scheduled for the coming week in the ongoing case of Tony, the eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger kept at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop.
On Thursday, May 3, the court will consider the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s most recent lawsuit against the Louisiana Departnent of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The lawsuit, filed on April 5, seeks to force LDWF to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony without a permit, in open violation of state law.
On Monday, May 7, the court will hear ALDF’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Tiger Truck Stop and its owner Michael Sandlin against the state of Louisiana. Their case argues that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures. An ALDF representative will be testifying at the hearing.
5.13.2012
5.10.2012
Judge gives activists role in tiger lawsuit | Home | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA
Judge gives activists role in tiger lawsuit | Home | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA
Judge gives activists role in tiger lawsuit
Judge gives activists role in tiger lawsuit
An animal-rights group was granted permission Monday to intervene in a truckstop owner’s civil-suit effort to keep Tony the tiger, a 550-pound Siberian-Bengal mix, at a roadside exhibit in Grosse Tete.
State District Judge Janice Clark ruled in Baton Rouge that the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s “intervention is not only permissible, it is a right.”
Michael Sandlin, owner of Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, is suing the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as well as Iberville Parish, in an effort to hang onto Tony.
District Judge Mike Caldwell ruled last year that parts of a 2006 state law do not permit Sandlin to house Tony at the truck stop exhibit. Caldwell also ordered Wildlife and Fisheries not to renew the truck stop’s big-cat permit in December.
Sandlin is asking the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge to reverse Caldwell’s decision. He is asking Clark to rule that Wildlife and Fisheries lacks statutory and constitutional authority to bar him from keeping Tony.
Brandy Sheely, an attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, argued Monday that Sandlin should not be permitted to allege the state law is unconstitutional because he never made that allegation in the case decided by Caldwell.
“The big cat law is constitutional,” Sheely added. “We’re asking for the ability to be heard.”
Jennifer Treadway Morris, one of Sandlin’s attorneys, countered that her client did not have grounds for a constitutional argument before Dec. 31, when Wildlife and Fisheries refused to renew his permit.
“This court doesn’t need to hear what a special interest group thinks about the law,” Morris added.
Clark disagreed. The judge said she will announce a date for a future hearing on the constitutional issues raised by Sandlin in his suit in her court.
Sandlin’s suit also is targeted at a 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance that bans ownership of “wild, exotic or vicious animals for display or for exhibition.”
Sandlin contends he has held a federal permit to keep tigers at the truck stop, just off Interstate 10, since 1988, and that the parish ordinance cannot trump federal rules.
If Sandlin loses his appeal of Caldwell’s rulings, Wildlife and Fisheries officials have said they will give him 30 days to transfer the 11-year-old tiger to a sanctuary of Sandlin’s choice.
State District Judge Janice Clark ruled in Baton Rouge that the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s “intervention is not only permissible, it is a right.”
Michael Sandlin, owner of Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, is suing the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as well as Iberville Parish, in an effort to hang onto Tony.
District Judge Mike Caldwell ruled last year that parts of a 2006 state law do not permit Sandlin to house Tony at the truck stop exhibit. Caldwell also ordered Wildlife and Fisheries not to renew the truck stop’s big-cat permit in December.
Sandlin is asking the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge to reverse Caldwell’s decision. He is asking Clark to rule that Wildlife and Fisheries lacks statutory and constitutional authority to bar him from keeping Tony.
Brandy Sheely, an attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, argued Monday that Sandlin should not be permitted to allege the state law is unconstitutional because he never made that allegation in the case decided by Caldwell.
“The big cat law is constitutional,” Sheely added. “We’re asking for the ability to be heard.”
Jennifer Treadway Morris, one of Sandlin’s attorneys, countered that her client did not have grounds for a constitutional argument before Dec. 31, when Wildlife and Fisheries refused to renew his permit.
“This court doesn’t need to hear what a special interest group thinks about the law,” Morris added.
Clark disagreed. The judge said she will announce a date for a future hearing on the constitutional issues raised by Sandlin in his suit in her court.
Sandlin’s suit also is targeted at a 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance that bans ownership of “wild, exotic or vicious animals for display or for exhibition.”
Sandlin contends he has held a federal permit to keep tigers at the truck stop, just off Interstate 10, since 1988, and that the parish ordinance cannot trump federal rules.
If Sandlin loses his appeal of Caldwell’s rulings, Wildlife and Fisheries officials have said they will give him 30 days to transfer the 11-year-old tiger to a sanctuary of Sandlin’s choice.
Judge won't order truck stop tiger's removal - NewsTimes
Judge won't order truck stop tiger's removal - NewsTimes
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Judge-won-t-order-truck-stop-tiger-s-removal-3531013.php#ixzz1uUlMvCLm
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A state judge has refused to order the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to remove an 11-year-old tiger from a truck stop in Grosse Tete.
Judge Michael Caldwell ruled Thursday that he cannot order the executive branch to do that. He also ruled that the Animal Legal Defense Fund and two plaintiffs don't have legal standing to bring up the question.
"There is no legal means for a private citizen to go to a court and ask the judge to order another branch of government to perform what is essentially a discretionary function," said Jennifer Treadway Morris, attorney for Michael Sandlin and his Tiger Truck Stop Inc.
Lisa Franzetta, spokeswoman for the nonprofit group, said it was considering whether to appeal Thursday's decision.
In November, Caldwell ordered the department to revoke the permit for a tiger at Tiger Truck Stop.
ALDF sued last month, saying the department refused to confiscate the animal from the truck stop and its owner, Michael Sandlin, because it has appealed Caldwell's November decision and Sandlin had challenged the constitutionality of Louisiana's ban on private ownership of big cats.
"In no way does today's ruling affect the judge's previous ruling that Michael Sandlin and Tiger Truck Stop can't be granted a permit to keep Tony," Franzetta said. "We were trying to speed up the process of getting Tony away from the truck stop."
Treadway Morris and attorneys for the Animal Legal Defense Fund will be back in State District Court on Monday. Judge Janice Clark has scheduled a hearing on the group's request to intervene in Sandlin's lawsuit.
Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Judge-won-t-order-truck-stop-tiger-s-removal-3531013.php#ixzz1uUlMvCLm
Animal Legal Defense Fund : ALDF Back in Court Demanding State Take Action on Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, Now Exhibited Without a Permit
Animal Legal Defense Fund : ALDF Back in Court Demanding State Take Action on Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, Now Exhibited Without a Permit
ALDF Back in Court Demanding State Take Action on Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, Now Exhibited Without a Permit
After Baton Rouge Court’s Ruling Revoking Invalid Permit, ALDF Files Lawsuit Demanding Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Put an End to Owner’s Illegal Possession of the Big Cat
Update
May 7, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, District Judge Janice Clark agreed that the Animal Legal Defense Fund and two Louisiana residents can be parties to the lawsuit filed by Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). ALDF and the other interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. Thanks to today’s ruling, ALDF will now have a right to participate in all steps of the litigation as it moves forward.
In their case, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s intervention in Sandlin’s case will support Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and the welfare of animals like Tony through such legislative measures.
May 3, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, the judge ruled ALDF’s plaintiffs lacked standing in our lawsuit to force the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony the tiger without a permit, in open violation of state law. The judge also ruled that department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law banning private ownership of big cats at this time.
Over 50,000 of Tony's supporter have signed an ALDF petition to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries over the past year, urging them to do their job—we're all getting tired of waiting for the department to do the job it's supposed to do and protect the best interests of both Tony and the public.
Today’s decision in no way affects the judge’s ruling that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop cannot be granted a permit to keep Tony. We fully expect that once all the legal proceedings relating to this case have wrapped up, the Department will do the job it is supposed to do and make sure Tony is no longer displayed without a permit. We are considering our options for appeal in today’s decision, and we are continuing to fight Michael Sandlin’s attempts to delay the inevitable day when Tony will finally go to a suitable forever home at a sanctuary where he can live out his days as a tiger should.
“The eyes of a disbelieving nation have been on this case for well over a year, says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We're all wondering the same thing: why should Tony continue to languish at the Tiger Truck Stop, so many months after the judge’s ruling in our favor?”
May 2, 2012: Two hearings are scheduled for the coming week in the ongoing case of Tony, the eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger kept at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop.
On Thursday, May 3, the court will consider the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s most recent lawsuit against the Louisiana Departnent of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The lawsuit, filed on April 5, seeks to force LDWF to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony without a permit, in open violation of state law.
On Monday, May 7, the court will hear ALDF’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Tiger Truck Stop and its owner Michael Sandlin against the state of Louisiana. Their case argues that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures. An ALDF representative will be testifying at the hearing.
April 5, 2012
Baton Rouge, La. – This morning, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a lawsuit to force the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban in the case of Tony, Grosse Tete’s “truck stop tiger.” Michael Sandlin's permit to keep Tony, an eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger, expired in December, yet he has continued to keep Tony confined at the Tiger Truck Stop, in open violation of state law. ALDF's lawsuit would compel the Department to take steps to enforce the law and report Sandlin's illegal possession of Tony to local law enforcement for prosecution. In addition, ALDF, along with two Louisiana residents, today filed a petition to intervene in Sandlin’s current lawsuit against the state; the interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. The law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C. are providing pro bono assistance with the lawsuit and the petition to intervene.
In November 2011, the East Baton Rouge District Court granted ALDF’s request for a permanent injunction against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, ordering the Department to revoke the permit that allowed Sandlin to display Tony as a roadside exhibit at the truck stop where he has languished for over a decade. Despite the fact that Sandlin’s permit expired in December and cannot be renewed, he continues to display Tony, in violation of the big cat law, which the Department is responsible for enforcing.
“The state of Louisiana has explicit regulations designed to protect tigers like Tony, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is required to enforce them” says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “The court has already granted Tony and ALDF a victory by ruling that Michael Sandlin’s permit to display Tony was illegal. Sandlin, now without a permit, cannot be allowed to continue to exploit this tiger with impunity.”
Meanwhile, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures.
UpdateMay 7, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, District Judge Janice Clark agreed that the Animal Legal Defense Fund and two Louisiana residents can be parties to the lawsuit filed by Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). ALDF and the other interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. Thanks to today’s ruling, ALDF will now have a right to participate in all steps of the litigation as it moves forward.
In their case, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s intervention in Sandlin’s case will support Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and the welfare of animals like Tony through such legislative measures.
May 3, 2012: In today’s hearing in Baton Rouge, the judge ruled ALDF’s plaintiffs lacked standing in our lawsuit to force the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony the tiger without a permit, in open violation of state law. The judge also ruled that department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law banning private ownership of big cats at this time.
Over 50,000 of Tony's supporter have signed an ALDF petition to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries over the past year, urging them to do their job—we're all getting tired of waiting for the department to do the job it's supposed to do and protect the best interests of both Tony and the public.
Today’s decision in no way affects the judge’s ruling that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop cannot be granted a permit to keep Tony. We fully expect that once all the legal proceedings relating to this case have wrapped up, the Department will do the job it is supposed to do and make sure Tony is no longer displayed without a permit. We are considering our options for appeal in today’s decision, and we are continuing to fight Michael Sandlin’s attempts to delay the inevitable day when Tony will finally go to a suitable forever home at a sanctuary where he can live out his days as a tiger should.
“The eyes of a disbelieving nation have been on this case for well over a year, says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We're all wondering the same thing: why should Tony continue to languish at the Tiger Truck Stop, so many months after the judge’s ruling in our favor?”
May 2, 2012: Two hearings are scheduled for the coming week in the ongoing case of Tony, the eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger kept at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop.
On Thursday, May 3, the court will consider the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s most recent lawsuit against the Louisiana Departnent of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The lawsuit, filed on April 5, seeks to force LDWF to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony without a permit, in open violation of state law.
On Monday, May 7, the court will hear ALDF’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Tiger Truck Stop and its owner Michael Sandlin against the state of Louisiana. Their case argues that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures. An ALDF representative will be testifying at the hearing.
April 5, 2012
Baton Rouge, La. – This morning, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a lawsuit to force the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban in the case of Tony, Grosse Tete’s “truck stop tiger.” Michael Sandlin's permit to keep Tony, an eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger, expired in December, yet he has continued to keep Tony confined at the Tiger Truck Stop, in open violation of state law. ALDF's lawsuit would compel the Department to take steps to enforce the law and report Sandlin's illegal possession of Tony to local law enforcement for prosecution. In addition, ALDF, along with two Louisiana residents, today filed a petition to intervene in Sandlin’s current lawsuit against the state; the interveners seek to defend the state’s law banning private ownership of big cats. The law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C. are providing pro bono assistance with the lawsuit and the petition to intervene.
In November 2011, the East Baton Rouge District Court granted ALDF’s request for a permanent injunction against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, ordering the Department to revoke the permit that allowed Sandlin to display Tony as a roadside exhibit at the truck stop where he has languished for over a decade. Despite the fact that Sandlin’s permit expired in December and cannot be renewed, he continues to display Tony, in violation of the big cat law, which the Department is responsible for enforcing.
“The state of Louisiana has explicit regulations designed to protect tigers like Tony, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is required to enforce them” says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “The court has already granted Tony and ALDF a victory by ruling that Michael Sandlin’s permit to display Tony was illegal. Sandlin, now without a permit, cannot be allowed to continue to exploit this tiger with impunity.”
Meanwhile, Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are suing the state, arguing that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. Ohio is currently considering a bill that would ban new ownership of captive wild animals, following the massacre of 48 animals including lions, tigers, and bears, who were released by their Zanesville owner last October. Additionally, in February, a bipartisan bill—the “Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act”—was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit the breeding and private possession of captive big cats. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures.
5.07.2012
Court allows us to intervene ~ we'll fight to uphold big cat ban.
ALDF@ALDFAnimalLaw
Victory in hearing 2 #FreeTonyTiger! Court allows us to intervene in Sandlin's lawsuit against @LDWF--we'll fight to uphold big cat ban.
5.04.2012
5.03.2012
Truck stop tiger hearings Thursday & Monday
Truck stop tiger hearings Thursday, Monday
Posted: May 03, 2012 6:22 AM EDT Updated: May 03, 2012 6:22 AM EDT
BATON ROUGE, LA (AP) -
An animal rights group says a state district judge has scheduled a hearing Thursday on its lawsuit demanding he order the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to remove an 11-year-old tiger from a truck stop in Grosse Tete.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued last month, saying the department has refused to confiscate the animal from Tiger Truck Stop Inc. and its owner, Michael Sandlin.
It wants Judge R. Michael Caldwell to order local law enforcement agents to take that step.
The group also has been asked to be made a party to Sandlin's lawsuit challenging Louisiana's ban on private ownership of big cats.
It says Judge Janice Clark has scheduled a hearing Monday on that question.
http://www.wafb.com/story/18087867/truck-stop-tiger-hearings-thursday-monday
Posted: May 03, 2012 6:22 AM EDT Updated: May 03, 2012 6:22 AM EDT
BATON ROUGE, LA (AP) -
An animal rights group says a state district judge has scheduled a hearing Thursday on its lawsuit demanding he order the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to remove an 11-year-old tiger from a truck stop in Grosse Tete.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund sued last month, saying the department has refused to confiscate the animal from Tiger Truck Stop Inc. and its owner, Michael Sandlin.
It wants Judge R. Michael Caldwell to order local law enforcement agents to take that step.
The group also has been asked to be made a party to Sandlin's lawsuit challenging Louisiana's ban on private ownership of big cats.
It says Judge Janice Clark has scheduled a hearing Monday on that question.
http://www.wafb.com/story/18087867/truck-stop-tiger-hearings-thursday-monday
ALDF Back In Court For Tony May 3rd & 7th
ALDF Back In Court For Tony May 3rd & 7th
Update May 2, 2012: Two hearings are scheduled for the coming week in the ongoing case of Tony, the eleven-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger kept at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop.
On Thursday, May 3, the court will consider the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s most recent lawsuit against the Louisiana Departnent of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The lawsuit, filed on April 5, seeks to force LDWF to do its job of enforcing Louisiana’s big cat ban now that the Tiger Truck Stop and Michael Sandlin are keeping Tony without a permit, in open violation of state law.
On Monday, May 7, the court will hear ALDF’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Tiger Truck Stop and its owner Michael Sandlin against the state of Louisiana. Their case argues that Louisiana’s ban on private ownership of big cats like Tony is unconstitutional—flying in the face of the current national sentiment that dangerous exotic animals should be more strictly regulated. ALDF’s petition in intervention supports Louisiana’s power to safeguard public safety and animal welfare through such legislative measures. An ALDF representative will be testifying at the hearing.
http://aldf.org/article.php?id=2023
4.30.2012
4.26.2012
Utopium Travels: Louisiana Oddities
Utopium Travels: Louisiana Oddities
Louisiana Oddities
On my way west on I-10 through Louisiana I came across some rather strange things you don't typically see on the road. The first was the Tiger Truck Stop which had a sign pointing to it on the highway. Sure enough there was a real live tiger in a cage next to the truck stop. What added to the humor was the fact the truck stop had a little casino inside it as well, but there are small casinos all over Louisiana so that isn't really anything surprising. It looks like there is a campaign to keep Tony the tiger there since some animal rights activists don't want him there. I think I kinda agree with the animal rights people though, seems kinda cruel to keep a tiger on display at a truck stop.
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| He was taking cover in the shade since it was a hot sunny day so it was hard to get a good picture. |
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| www.savetony.com which is trying to keep him there. |
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| You can gamble here while you fill up your truck. |
4.25.2012
4.19.2012
4.17.2012
4.15.2012
4.13.2012
2.10.2012
Animals do have a voice.
“Animals do have a voice. If you ignore their suffering,
I will remind you of it. If you don't understand them,
I will translate. If you don't hear them,
I will be their voice. You may silence them but
you cannot silence me as long as I live.”
2.02.2012
Update For Tony
Update For Tony Via Animal Legal Defense Fund 1.30.2012
Update
January 30, 2012: Last Monday, Judge Caldwell denied a motion brought by Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop (TTS) that sought to suspend Judge Caldwell’s order while Sandlin and TTS appealed. In other words, Tony would have stayed put at the truck stop until after the appeal ran its course, which could take months. Instead, Judge Caldwell’s order instructing the Department to revoke the permit will go into effect right away. Sadly, this does not necessarily mean Tony is leaving the truck stop soon. Sandlin has filed his own lawsuit against the Department, which has been temporarily restrained from taking any action to remove Tony. Our attorneys are doing everything they can to resolve these conflicting orders to make sure Tony makes his way to a humane, accredited sanctuary as soon as possible.
http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1859
12.09.2011
Tony the Tiger Contracted to Move to G.W. Exotic Animal Park
This would be nothing more then a travesty for Tony to go to the worst place known in the United States. THIS IS NOT A "SANCTUARY" THIS HORRID PLACE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A BREEDING COMPOUND.
Famed Tiger Truck Stop set to move its beloved mascot, Tony, to Oklahoma Sanctuary if forced to give him up.
GROSSE TETE, LA, December 06, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mike Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop, has agreed that if Tony, his beloved 11-year old Bengal tiger, is forced to move from his home, he will be moved to the G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Mr. Sandlin's family is from Oklahoma and Tony would be able to be visited by the family who loves him.
Famed Tiger Truck Stop set to move its beloved mascot, Tony, to Oklahoma Sanctuary if forced to give him up.
Sandlin and Joe Schreibvogel, G.W.'s Park Director, have agreed on terms to start raising money for Tony's new habitat at the park. Some of the terms include:
1) Tony will be located at the back of the G.W. Exotic Animal Park, which is not open to the public and therefore will not be on display.
2) Once the money has been raised to construct his compound, neither Tony's nor the Truck Stop's name will be used in any future fundraising or advertisements.
3) Tony's name will be changed to protect him from any further harassment and allow him to live out his life as a tiger instead of a political campaign.
4) If money is raised for the compound and the compound is built, but Sandlin wins his appeal and is allowed to keep Tony, a tiger in desperate need will be rescued and placed in Tony's compound in Tony's honor.
Schreibvogel urges that time is running out to get a compound funded and built in the event the court decides Tony must move. He is calling on every celebrity, organization, animal rights groups, and individuals who worked so diligently to force Tony from his home to finish their fight and give Tony the home they so desperately fought for, to see if they can put up or shut up about animal welfare. Schreibvogel says, "It is time to see just how many people really care about Tony's health and well being or if he was just another political puppet to further their cause."
Plans for Tony's new complex include a 10,000 square foot compound with a swimming pool, waterfall, and shade trees all surrounded by woods in the country, away from any city noise, pollution, or gas pumps. The complex will cost in excess of $120,000.00 to build and the park would like to have it completed as soon as possible in case he is moved, so he does not have to be held in a waiting compound.
"We are sure someone will have something to say about him coming to our park, and we are expecting that, but we are proud to be the one selected to take him in and that is why we voluntarily put in the contract to change its name and not to promote him at our park. People have made way too much money off of him already," Schreibvogel stated. "He would only be exploited more if he went to a facility in Florida or anywhere else, and he just doesn't deserve that any longer."
Donated funds will go directly to the compound materials and building, with the G.W. Park staff and volunteers providing most, if not all, of the labor.
To donate to Tony's Compound Fund, visit http://gwpark.org or donate directly through Razoo at http://www.razoo.com/story/Tonynewhome.
the G.W. Exotic Animal Park is a not for profit 501-c-3-org, for more information visit us at www.gwpark.org.
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http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/512882
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/512882
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