Baton Rouge Court Grants Permanent Injunction, Ordering Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to Stop Issuing Illegal Permit Allowing Tony to Be Kept on Display in Iberville Parish
For immediate release
Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, Animal Legal Defense Fund
Megan Backus, Animal Legal Defense Fund
BATON ROUGE, La. – This morning, a judge in East Baton Rouge District Court granted the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (ALDF) request for a permanent injunction against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, preventing the Department from renewing the annual permit that allows Michael Sandlin, owner of Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, to display Tony, a ten-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger. When the current permit expires in December 2011, Sandlin will no longer be able to keep Tony confined as a roadside exhibit at the truck stop where he has languished for over a decade. The court also assessed costs against the Department in the case.
In preparation for the day the current permit expires and Tony is finally free, ALDF hopes to work with the Department to find the best possible new home for him, providing recommendations for reputable sanctuaries where Tony can live out his life in a peaceful, natural environment, free from the 24-hour exposure to noise and diesel fumes that have plagued his life to date.
ALDF’s lawsuit to free Tony has drawn the support of high profile advocates like Leonardo DiCaprio and True Blood’s Kristin Bauer and has galvanized activists around the world. This week, ALDF delivered to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries over 31,000 signed petitions urging it to revoke Sandlin’s permit to keep Tony. Tony has been on exhibit at the Tiger Truck Stop since 2001; he has lived there with no other tiger companions since 2003. Joining ALDF as a co-plaintiff in the case is former Louisiana Representative Warren Triche, who authored the state’s law that led to the ban on the private ownership of big cats, including tigers. Two other Louisiana residents, also deeply concerned by Tony’s long-time suffering, are additional co-plaintiffs. The law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C. are providing pro bono assistance with the lawsuit.
“Today, the law was upheld in the state of Louisiana, which has explicit regulations designed to protect tigers like Tony,” says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “It is an incredible victory for ALDF, the tens of thousands around the world who have supported this campaign, and most of all, for Tony. We eagerly look forward to the day that he leaves behind the noise and fumes of the Tiger Truck Stop for a new life of freedom that he has never known.”
WILL YOU SAVE ME
Tony VERY Skinny
Showing posts with label "animal cruelty". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "animal cruelty". Show all posts
11.04.2011
Video from The Associated Press: Truck Stop Tiger’s Home Endangered After Ruling
Video from The Associated Press: Truck Stop Tiger’s Home Endangered After Ruling
Video from The Associated Press: A state judge sided with an animal rights group in the fight with a Louisiana truck stop owner over whether he can keep a 550-pound tiger at his business. (Nov. 3)
10.27.2011
94,000+ Friends Have Signed Tony’s Petitions…Have You?!
   [New post] 94,000+ Friends Have Signed Tony’s Petitions…Have You?! |
9.17.2011
Pictures of Tony July 21, 2011 Courtesy Connie Stol Tarvin
These pictures are courtesy of Connie Stol Tarvin who visited Tony on July 21, 2011. Please also read Connie’s comments (below) on the pictures – and Thank you Connie for sharing them with us and caring about Tony. All photos © Connie Stol Tarvin and used here with her permission.
Comments
There are huge signs along the freeway announcing the Tiger Truck Stop, and I asked my son-in-law to stop so we could see him in person.
1. This is the cement block house in which Tony lives. If you can zoom into the doorway, you can just see him lying down inside.
2. At one end of his wire enclosure, there is a rather small round tub of water. I could only guess this was for drinking because it did not appear big enough for him to get into and romp around. Note it is also on cement.
3. Between Tony’s cement house and the tub of water is this pole with a small circular platform in a small grassy area. I cannot imagine Tony comfortably fitting on that little platform, and there is nothing there for him to do if he did manage to get up there.
4. After we had been there a few minutes, Tony came out of his cement block house. It was such a hot day, I cannot imagine how hot it was inside his little house. The entire area stinks to high heaven! I can only guess that the hose is used to wash off the cement, so the urine is just washed into the dirt and grass. I do not know what is done about the feces. In any case, it is not a sanitary situation.
5. Tony simply paced back and forth on the cement.
6.To the right side is an opening that would allow him to go out on the small grassy area where the small platform on a pole is located. If he walked further, he could get to the tub of water located on another slab of cement.
7. Tony made no move to leave this cement area. It was almost as if there was an invisible door over the opening. He simply paced back and forth here in front of his cement house.
8. I noted this truck in the parking lot showing someone was there from the Iberville Parish Animal Control, J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr., “Parish President” is written on the truck cab door. It also shows a picture of a dog and cat; nothing there about tigers.
Two men entered the outer fencing between us and Tony. I believe one of them was with Animal Control, but do not know that for certain. As one man scratched Tony’s chin through the fence, he commented about how nice it was to have such a big cat here for people to see. I beg to disagree!
Tony’s conditions are worse than I imagined, stink something terrible, are unsanitary, unhealthy, and totally nonstimulating for him. It was sad to see poor Tony in such deplorable conditions!
I implore the Louisiana Dept of Wildlife & Fisheries to stop giving an exception to Mr. Sandlin regarding the laws of the state and the keeping of wild animals. Tony has been living in these horrible conditions his entire life; and he deserves to be freed to a big cat facility that can properly care and provide for all of Tony’s needs!
9.03.2011
News & Politics / Baton Rouge / Animals & Pets
More trouble for Tony the Tiger
Posted by Alex Woodward on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Back in May, the Animal Defense Fund slapped a big ol' lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to remove Tony the Tiger from an I-10 truckstop roadside attraction.
Judge Michael Caldwell denied truck stop owner Michael Sandlin’s request for a new trial. His ruling denied state agencies from issuing new permits to keep the big cat, a 550-pound Bengal-Siberian. But now, the state’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal sent the file back to Caldwell, saying the owner deserves another hearing.
Does he? Read more about Tony and Sandlin in Gambit — about violations at the truck stop, like "failure to properly clean cages to maintain adequate sanitation, failure to maintain structurally sound cages, not utilizing a sufficient number of adequately trained employees, improper food storage, failure to provide sufficient food, unsanitary feeding practices, failure to have a veterinary care program, mishandling animals, failure to clean water receptacles with algae growth and failure to provide shelter from inclement weather." Sandlin has been named a Top 10 offender by PETA, and violator of the USDA'S Animal Welfare Act. Here's the April ALDF campaign video for Tony, with True Blood's Kristin Bauer:
Following the appeal, Sandlin's attorney Steve LeBlanc told the Adovcate, "We’re very pleased. This will give us a chance to correct the situation." In a statement following the ruling, ALDF attorney Matthew Liebman called it “a minor setback" and is "confident that the trial court got the law right the first time around and will rule the same way when we go through it again."
On the Tiger Truck Stop website, a petition reads: "Is Tony in need of being rescued? No, he is in good health, has a nice compound, and is very loved by his owner. ... The rights we all have as Americans are being torn away from us daily by the Animal Rights Groups. What does an organization on the west coast really care about a tiger in Louisiana anyway, other than to make headlines and put another notch in their gun?"
Judge Michael Caldwell denied truck stop owner Michael Sandlin’s request for a new trial. His ruling denied state agencies from issuing new permits to keep the big cat, a 550-pound Bengal-Siberian. But now, the state’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal sent the file back to Caldwell, saying the owner deserves another hearing.
Does he? Read more about Tony and Sandlin in Gambit — about violations at the truck stop, like "failure to properly clean cages to maintain adequate sanitation, failure to maintain structurally sound cages, not utilizing a sufficient number of adequately trained employees, improper food storage, failure to provide sufficient food, unsanitary feeding practices, failure to have a veterinary care program, mishandling animals, failure to clean water receptacles with algae growth and failure to provide shelter from inclement weather." Sandlin has been named a Top 10 offender by PETA, and violator of the USDA'S Animal Welfare Act. Here's the April ALDF campaign video for Tony, with True Blood's Kristin Bauer:
Following the appeal, Sandlin's attorney Steve LeBlanc told the Adovcate, "We’re very pleased. This will give us a chance to correct the situation." In a statement following the ruling, ALDF attorney Matthew Liebman called it “a minor setback" and is "confident that the trial court got the law right the first time around and will rule the same way when we go through it again."
On the Tiger Truck Stop website, a petition reads: "Is Tony in need of being rescued? No, he is in good health, has a nice compound, and is very loved by his owner. ... The rights we all have as Americans are being torn away from us daily by the Animal Rights Groups. What does an organization on the west coast really care about a tiger in Louisiana anyway, other than to make headlines and put another notch in their gun?"
8.21.2011
Update From The Animal Legal Defense Fund
The following is posted on http://www.aldf.org/tony
August 15, 2011: ALDF lawyers were in court today to defend against Sandlin’s attempt to get our case dismissed. In another victory for Tony, the judge denied Sandlin’s motion. This means the case will continue to move forward. The Court has set a hearing date of September 15 for ALDF’s motion for a mandatory injunction, which seeks an immediate revocation of Sandlin’s permit to keep Tony. http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1675
Note: Please continue to support Tony for all petition links.
ALDF Sponsorsed Petitions:
1. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5154/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6207
2. http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
Care2 Sponsored Petition
3. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/129/272/008/
Follow Tony on Twitter and Facebook and network for him: @TRUCKSTOPTIGER https://twitter.com/#!/TRUCKSTOPTIGER and @ FREEDOM4TONY https://twitter.com/#!/FREEDOM4TONY
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWTigers
Show your thanks and support to The Animal Legal Defense Fund and the tremendous work they do defending the rights of animals and ensuring laws to protect them will be enforced. Visit: http://www.aldf.org Join ALDF on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimalLegalDefenseFund on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ALDFAnimalLaw and Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ALDFstaff
You can also write a review of ALDF. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has teamed up with GreatNonprofits and GuideStar to launch the 2011 Animal Welfare Campaign. Non-profit organizations who work on animal welfare issues and conservation will be recognized in this campaign. Each organization with 10 or more positive reviews during August will be included in the GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Animal Welfare Nonprofits List. The campaign ends August 31. More information: http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1784
This is a 30-second PSA version of ALDF’s “This Is Who We Are” video. The full length video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUgh_YFYeMc
JOE EXOTIC AND MICHAEL SANDLIN AT TIGER TRUCK STOP 8-17-11
Wednesday OUT and Wild
with Joe Exotic
at 12 Noon EST.
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO:
Joe Exotic and Michael Sandlin at Tiger Truck Stop
with Joe Exotic
at 12 Noon EST.
CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO SEE VIDEO:
Joe Exotic and Michael Sandlin at Tiger Truck Stop
8.15.2011
Animal rights group takes new tack versus Sandlin
Written by: Walter Pierce |
| Monday, 15 August 2011 |
The California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund is seeking to enlist a new partner in its effort to keep up the pressure on Michael Sandlin, owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete: Louisiana State University. A Baton Rouge judge last May granted a permanent injunction preventing the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries from renewing Sandlin’s license to keep Tony, a 550-pound Siberian-Bengal tiger, in a 700-square-foot enclosure at his business off Interstate 10. A defiant Sandlin has fought for years to keep Tony caged at his shabby station and, in perhaps a sign that he intends to fight this thing until the very end, recently further capitalized on his proximity to LSU by painting Tony’s den and enclosure purple and gold — the familiar color scheme of Louisiana’s flagship university. The ALDF recently brought the new paint job to LSU’s attention, hoping to convince the university to take action against Sandlin for trademark violation, according to ALDF Director of Communications Lisa Franzetta, who says LSU has “ assured us they are investigating the matter.” In a recent letter to Brian Hommel, LSU’s director of trademark licensing, ALDF staff attorney Matthew Liebman lays out the group’s case: Not only does the Tiger Truck Stop confine a tiger, the LSU mascot, in conditions many consider inhumane, it has also appropriated the official LSU colors, purple and gold. The truck stop’s large sign and external façade are purple and gold, as are Tony’s transport trailer and a sign hung on Tony’s cage. The truck stop also just painted Tony’s den purple and gold. The juxtaposition of the LSU colors with a tiger is certainly no coincidence, and it risks associating LSU with a controversial and inhumane exhibit. As you know well, LSU has spent extensive resources to improve its image on tiger welfare, and the Tiger Truck Stop’s infringement on LSU’s color combination and mascot endangers those efforts. Failure to remedy this infringement could be seen as an LSU endorsement of Tony’s captivity.http://www.theind.com/news/8840-animal-rights-group-takes-new-tack-versus-sandlin |
8.03.2011
Saving Tony The Tiger
by The Pawz Cauze Show
in Pets
Airdate: Thursday ~ Aug 11, 2011 06:00PM
Just when I loose faith in our youth today, along comes an 11 year old young lady with a passion for large cats. Well, all my loyal listeners know that the way to my heart is through cats of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. This one young person has made it her mission to save Tony The Tiger who has been locked in a cement and iron prison, alone, for over 10 years at a truck stop while putting up with being alone, teased, harrassed, loud sounds at all hours of the day and night and inhaling toxic fumes.
Join me as I talk to this little package of huge inspiration and we will hear all about what she has done to help Tony become free. Now we have won one battle. The owner of the truck stop was denied a renewal license to keep Tony but his current license doesn't end until the end of December. Poor Tony needed to be set free 10 years ago!
So be sure not to miss this show. Let little Breawna inspire you just as she has inspired me and hundreds of other people whom she has met. She even created a T-shirt line to help free Tony.
See you in cyberspace. Pawz up! Ice........
Call in number to speak with the host
(646) 716-9947
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepawzcauze/2011/08/11/saving-tony-the-tiger
7.14.2011
7.12.2011
TONY IS NOT FREE YET~IT IS TIME TO FIGHT NOW MORE THEN EVER
©2008-2020, ™ FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN 2008 AND SKY WILLIAMSON. All rights reserved.
7.11.2011
Reply From Mr. Kimmel of LDWF & New Pictures of Tony
Reply from Mr. Kimmel today ( 6.30.2011) concerning inquiry regarding Tony locked out of his concrete den since yesterday:
“LDWF was able to confirm in a site visit this afternoon that the air conditioning unit within the tiger’s habitat was working and the tiger does have access to the enclosed den area.”
Fred Kimmel
Director, Education and Technical Services Branch
Wildlife Division – LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
Following pictures of Tony taken earlier today courtesy M. Haik. Please continue to support Tony by signing his petitions and voicing your concern for him. Your Continued Support For Tony Is Still Needed for petition links, contact information and more actions you can take for Tony.
ALDF Sponsorsed Petitions:
1. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5154/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6207
2. http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
Fred Kimmel
Director, Education and Technical Services Branch
Wildlife Division – LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries
Following pictures of Tony taken earlier today courtesy M. Haik. Please continue to support Tony by signing his petitions and voicing your concern for him. Your Continued Support For Tony Is Still Needed for petition links, contact information and more actions you can take for Tony.
ALDF Sponsorsed Petitions:
1. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5154/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6207
2. http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
Tony locked out of his "den." Photo Courtesy M. Haik 6.30.2011
Tony locked out of his "den." Photo Courtesy M. Haik 6.30.2011
7.03.2011
MEET JOE EXOTIC AKA GW EXOTICS
MEET JOE EXOTIC AKA GW EXOTICS WHICH MOST CALL THE HOUSE OF HORRORS.....
by Sky Williamson on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 6:35pm
Between Joe Exotic and You
Sky Williamson June 30 at 7:22pm
Sandlin said NO to BCR and MANY of us agree with him and then there are many that do not. The main people in this campaign DO NOT feel that BCR would be the best place for him.....
Joe Exotic July 1 at 9:23am Report
I would just like to see him go somewhere that no one knows so he can not be exploited for being the truck stop tiger
Sky Williamson July 1 at 10:50pm
me too.......
Joe Exotic July 2 at 8:35am Report
why you all keep kicken me off your list, All I am doing is being honest
Sky Williamson July 2 at 11:20am
because your being ugly- with the things you say. I can not speak for anyone but myself but I can honestly tell you I ONLY want what is best for TONY - Joe come on look deep inside your heart, a truck stop parking lot???? don't you think as humans we can do better then that? be honest......
Joe Exotic July 2 at 11:29am Report
us humans can do much better at alot of things, one is by trying to run others lives instead of working with people instead of against them, do you not think you could get further working with mike instead of trying to force him to do something? Really, how would you feel, if we were to take your kid or what ever away from you? its not right, and its not fair, to live in america and be treated like scum just because a group of people think they are better than you
Sky Williamson July 2 at 12:56pm
*us humans can do much better at alot of things, one is by trying to run others lives instead of working with people instead of against them, do you not think you could get further working with mike instead*
No that’s wrong I’m not trying to run his life I’m trying to stop the suffering of Tony because of Michael. I don’t care what he does with his life all the way to him being gay, that is his life BUT when you see an animal a child or the elderly that need help and you turn your back then you are just as bad as that person. Joe people have tried to work with Michael for years and I do mean years. It has NEVER worked. He was offered FREE vet care in Dec. and refused it. I bet if you knew all the facts you would feel different!
*of trying to force him to do something?*
The law is the law and LDWF gave him a permit illegally- ALDF proved that in court.
*Really, how would you feel, if we were to take your kid or what ever away from you?*
If I was NOT properly caring for my child and that happened then I got what I deserved!!!!!
*its not right, and its not fair, to live in america and be treated like scum just because a group of people think they are better than you*
Joe Michael has done nothing but lied through this whole thing, he is scum. If you don’t think you are doing anything wrong then you would not lie over and over and over……
Listen you just don’t know the whole story and considering that I started this campaign it would take me months to tell you the whole story. No matter how much you are against what I’m doing if you had all the facts you may be quite surprised…… He has never treated his tigers with an ounce of compassion, never.
Joe Exotic July 2 at 1:56pm Report
what ever, your still saying he is abusing tony, if that were a fact he would be charged with criminal abuse, the Law enforcement not the law of opinion. fact is fact, show me abuse, sores, sick vet calls left gone un attended, no food, under weight, no water, etc. just at a truck stop is not abuse no matter if we all agree with it or not, it just plain and simple not abuse. and lets dont talk lies, Carole baskin your biggest support cause is the last person to be saying anyone is lying, and that my friend I do have proof on
Sky Williamson July 3 at 6:26pm
THAT'S RIGHT FACT IS FACT AND I HAVE PICTURES THAT SHOW ABUSE! LIKE IT OR NOT BUT CONSIDERING YOUR RECORD OF COURSE YOU WOULD SIDE WITH HIM AN ABUSER. LET'S NOT FORGET JOE YOU ~KILLED~ OVER 20 "CUBS" IN ONE YEAR. THAT IS ALSO ANIMAL ABUSE. TONY'S BONES ARE STICKING OUT BADLY ~ PAY ATTENTION AND LOOK AT THE PICTURES! THAT IS ABUSE!!! EITHER HE IS NOT BEING FEED OR SOMETHING MEDICALLY IS WRONG WITH HIM, PERIOD. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A BIG CAT EXPERT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HAVE COMMON SENSE.
*WE HAVE PROOF AND STATEMENTS FROM………. IT’S REALLY NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS TO BE HONEST.
THE COURT RULED AND THAT’S IT.
LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT ONCE AND FOR ALL. ~CAROLE BASKIN IS -NOT- MY BIGGEST SUPPORT OF THIS CAUSE AND THIS ON GOING BITCH FIGHT THAT YOU HAVE WITH CAROLE BASKIN IS THE MOST IMMATURE THING I HAVE EVER WITNESSED. I DON'T KNOW NOR DO I CARE WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS WITH BASKIN MY CONCERN IS WITH TONY. WHAT I DO KNOW THOUGH IS YOUR OBSESSION WITH BASKIN IS IN BLACK AND WHITE ACROSS THE INTERNET AND IT SHOWS YOUR TRUE COLORS. ALL THE TIME YOU SPEND ON THAT YOU SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF THE ANIMALS ON YOUR PROPERTY BUT INSTEAD YOU WANT TO PLAY A BITCH GAME. GROW UP.
THIS IS MY CAMPAIGN NOT ANYBODY ELSES REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU THINK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE CALL THE IRS AND SEE WHOSE NAME IS STATED FOR THE FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN………
I DON’T EVEN TALK TO BASKIN ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE ASSOCIATES WITH DEE DESANTIS WHICH HAS GONE OVER AND BEYOND MUCH LIKE YOU TO DISCREDIT THIS CAMPAIGN. DO YOU SEE ANY POST FROM ME SAYING “SEND TONY TO BCR”? PAY ATTENTION JOE AND FOR GODS SAKE GET THE FUCK OFF THE INTERNET AND GO TAKE CARE OF ALL THOSE FUCKING ANIMALS YOU HAVE.
YOU CAN SAY ALL YOU WANT THAT YOU AND THE USDA ARE TIGHT BUT WE ALL KNOW ALL IT TAKES IS ONE WRONG MOVE AND YOU WILL BE CLOSED DOWN……. SPEAKING OF THAT I HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF YOUR PROPERTY – YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT BUT YET ALL YOU DO IS BASH BCR. IT’S NOTHING MORE THAN THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK AND THAT’S A ~FACT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOW END THE MESSAGING HERE I HAVE A CAMPAIGN TO TEND TO AND I’M TRYING TO HELP TONY A ~ABUSED~ TIGER……… HE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT NOT ALL THE REST OF THIS BS……….
JOE GO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ANIMALS AND LET ME WORRY ABOUT TONY, THANKS…….
AND PLEASE DO NOT INSULT ME BY CALLING ME "YOUR FRIEND"
JOE'S FINAL WORDS TO ME~THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIS PROFILE PICTURE IS GONE AND I'M BLOCKED~DARN!
July 3 at 6:29pm Report
"I will never let you care about tony, he will not be going anywhere if I have anything to do with it, I did not kill 20 cubs that is more of caroles crap and you must not have seen pics of my park because it makes caroles look like shit, I see you have easy buttons to push, thanks for the nice words, copy paste makes you loose credit ability"
Sky Williamson June 30 at 7:22pm
Sandlin said NO to BCR and MANY of us agree with him and then there are many that do not. The main people in this campaign DO NOT feel that BCR would be the best place for him.....
Joe Exotic July 1 at 9:23am Report
I would just like to see him go somewhere that no one knows so he can not be exploited for being the truck stop tiger
Sky Williamson July 1 at 10:50pm
me too.......
Joe Exotic July 2 at 8:35am Report
why you all keep kicken me off your list, All I am doing is being honest
Sky Williamson July 2 at 11:20am
because your being ugly- with the things you say. I can not speak for anyone but myself but I can honestly tell you I ONLY want what is best for TONY - Joe come on look deep inside your heart, a truck stop parking lot???? don't you think as humans we can do better then that? be honest......
Joe Exotic July 2 at 11:29am Report
us humans can do much better at alot of things, one is by trying to run others lives instead of working with people instead of against them, do you not think you could get further working with mike instead of trying to force him to do something? Really, how would you feel, if we were to take your kid or what ever away from you? its not right, and its not fair, to live in america and be treated like scum just because a group of people think they are better than you
Sky Williamson July 2 at 12:56pm
*us humans can do much better at alot of things, one is by trying to run others lives instead of working with people instead of against them, do you not think you could get further working with mike instead*
No that’s wrong I’m not trying to run his life I’m trying to stop the suffering of Tony because of Michael. I don’t care what he does with his life all the way to him being gay, that is his life BUT when you see an animal a child or the elderly that need help and you turn your back then you are just as bad as that person. Joe people have tried to work with Michael for years and I do mean years. It has NEVER worked. He was offered FREE vet care in Dec. and refused it. I bet if you knew all the facts you would feel different!
*of trying to force him to do something?*
The law is the law and LDWF gave him a permit illegally- ALDF proved that in court.
*Really, how would you feel, if we were to take your kid or what ever away from you?*
If I was NOT properly caring for my child and that happened then I got what I deserved!!!!!
*its not right, and its not fair, to live in america and be treated like scum just because a group of people think they are better than you*
Joe Michael has done nothing but lied through this whole thing, he is scum. If you don’t think you are doing anything wrong then you would not lie over and over and over……
Listen you just don’t know the whole story and considering that I started this campaign it would take me months to tell you the whole story. No matter how much you are against what I’m doing if you had all the facts you may be quite surprised…… He has never treated his tigers with an ounce of compassion, never.
Joe Exotic July 2 at 1:56pm Report
what ever, your still saying he is abusing tony, if that were a fact he would be charged with criminal abuse, the Law enforcement not the law of opinion. fact is fact, show me abuse, sores, sick vet calls left gone un attended, no food, under weight, no water, etc. just at a truck stop is not abuse no matter if we all agree with it or not, it just plain and simple not abuse. and lets dont talk lies, Carole baskin your biggest support cause is the last person to be saying anyone is lying, and that my friend I do have proof on
Sky Williamson July 3 at 6:26pm
THAT'S RIGHT FACT IS FACT AND I HAVE PICTURES THAT SHOW ABUSE! LIKE IT OR NOT BUT CONSIDERING YOUR RECORD OF COURSE YOU WOULD SIDE WITH HIM AN ABUSER. LET'S NOT FORGET JOE YOU ~KILLED~ OVER 20 "CUBS" IN ONE YEAR. THAT IS ALSO ANIMAL ABUSE. TONY'S BONES ARE STICKING OUT BADLY ~ PAY ATTENTION AND LOOK AT THE PICTURES! THAT IS ABUSE!!! EITHER HE IS NOT BEING FEED OR SOMETHING MEDICALLY IS WRONG WITH HIM, PERIOD. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A BIG CAT EXPERT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HAVE COMMON SENSE.
*WE HAVE PROOF AND STATEMENTS FROM………. IT’S REALLY NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS TO BE HONEST.
THE COURT RULED AND THAT’S IT.
LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT ONCE AND FOR ALL. ~CAROLE BASKIN IS -NOT- MY BIGGEST SUPPORT OF THIS CAUSE AND THIS ON GOING BITCH FIGHT THAT YOU HAVE WITH CAROLE BASKIN IS THE MOST IMMATURE THING I HAVE EVER WITNESSED. I DON'T KNOW NOR DO I CARE WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS WITH BASKIN MY CONCERN IS WITH TONY. WHAT I DO KNOW THOUGH IS YOUR OBSESSION WITH BASKIN IS IN BLACK AND WHITE ACROSS THE INTERNET AND IT SHOWS YOUR TRUE COLORS. ALL THE TIME YOU SPEND ON THAT YOU SHOULD BE TAKING CARE OF THE ANIMALS ON YOUR PROPERTY BUT INSTEAD YOU WANT TO PLAY A BITCH GAME. GROW UP.
THIS IS MY CAMPAIGN NOT ANYBODY ELSES REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU THINK. IF YOU WOULD LIKE CALL THE IRS AND SEE WHOSE NAME IS STATED FOR THE FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN………
I DON’T EVEN TALK TO BASKIN ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE ASSOCIATES WITH DEE DESANTIS WHICH HAS GONE OVER AND BEYOND MUCH LIKE YOU TO DISCREDIT THIS CAMPAIGN. DO YOU SEE ANY POST FROM ME SAYING “SEND TONY TO BCR”? PAY ATTENTION JOE AND FOR GODS SAKE GET THE FUCK OFF THE INTERNET AND GO TAKE CARE OF ALL THOSE FUCKING ANIMALS YOU HAVE.
YOU CAN SAY ALL YOU WANT THAT YOU AND THE USDA ARE TIGHT BUT WE ALL KNOW ALL IT TAKES IS ONE WRONG MOVE AND YOU WILL BE CLOSED DOWN……. SPEAKING OF THAT I HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF YOUR PROPERTY – YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT BUT YET ALL YOU DO IS BASH BCR. IT’S NOTHING MORE THAN THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK AND THAT’S A ~FACT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOW END THE MESSAGING HERE I HAVE A CAMPAIGN TO TEND TO AND I’M TRYING TO HELP TONY A ~ABUSED~ TIGER……… HE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT NOT ALL THE REST OF THIS BS……….
JOE GO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ANIMALS AND LET ME WORRY ABOUT TONY, THANKS…….
AND PLEASE DO NOT INSULT ME BY CALLING ME "YOUR FRIEND"
JOE'S FINAL WORDS TO ME~THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIS PROFILE PICTURE IS GONE AND I'M BLOCKED~DARN!
July 3 at 6:29pm Report
"I will never let you care about tony, he will not be going anywhere if I have anything to do with it, I did not kill 20 cubs that is more of caroles crap and you must not have seen pics of my park because it makes caroles look like shit, I see you have easy buttons to push, thanks for the nice words, copy paste makes you loose credit ability"
TROLLS NOW SENDING PERSONAL MESSAGES~ MEET THE TROLL DIANNA LEE
TROLLS NOW SENDING PERSONAL MESSAGES~ MEET THE TROLL DIANNA LEE
by Sky Williamson on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 5:55pm
Between You and Dianna Lee
Dianna Lee July 2 at 11:01pm Report
Why are you blocking people who are trying to give information about tony that you are choosing to leave out. I have recent photos of tony and he is in good condition. Full of life not underweight like you have stated as well as he has s nice enclosure with AC in his den box. I have family who visit tony on several occasions and he has never been locked out. Why are you not letting all the information be told.
Sent via Facebook Mobile
Dianna Lee (Suzie Singleton)
Lives in Brandon, Florida
THIS LINK IS TO HER FACEBOOK PROFILE:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000154450137
Dianna Lee July 2 at 11:01pm Report
Why are you blocking people who are trying to give information about tony that you are choosing to leave out. I have recent photos of tony and he is in good condition. Full of life not underweight like you have stated as well as he has s nice enclosure with AC in his den box. I have family who visit tony on several occasions and he has never been locked out. Why are you not letting all the information be told.
Sent via Facebook Mobile
Dianna Lee (Suzie Singleton)
Lives in Brandon, Florida
THIS LINK IS TO HER FACEBOOK PROFILE:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000154450137
6.28.2011
From Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell: Tiger Tug-Of-War
Video link: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/11/12/jvm.big.cat.battle.hln
November 12, 2010: Tony’s story was presented on Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell. Guests included Carole Baskin, founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue – Tampa FL, Jane Garrison, Animal Welfare Expert, Michael Sandlin, owner of Tiger Truck Stop. Also covered was the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of tigers at Thailand’s Tiger Temple.
Please see this link for a transcript of the show: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1011/12/ijvm.01.html
HERE IS THE TRANSCRIPT:
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Coming up next, are beautiful, majestic tigers being exploited? We`re going to examine a tug-of-war over tigers. We`re going to get both sides of this story. We`re going to go dig deep because these animals can`t speak for themselves.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The sizes of these tigers, just peering out of the cage at me. I suppose they`ve got nothing, and I am their enrichment right now. Their behavior is just so sad.
How can they do this? This is a tiger farm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was always only going to be one way to consume what tigers were there and in what condition they were in that was in the back of this place. I am frightened here.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Tonight, battles over big cats are erupting around the world. Experts say the world`s tiger population has plummeted 95 percent in the last century. It`s believed, as we speak, there`s just over 3,000 tigers left on our planet. That`s why every single tiger counts.
Tonight, two furious tug-of-wars over tigers, one at a tourist attraction in Thailand, the other at a truck stop in Louisiana. Tony the Tiger, seen here in this YouTube video, lives at the tiger truck stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana. He has lived there his entire life reportedly and is now approximately a decade old.
Now, critics charge that this tiger is being exploited to bring in business to the truck stop. The tiger`s owner furiously disputes that and insists that the animal is healthy and gets one-on-one attention. So you can decide for yourself.
We`re going to talk to both sides tonight. Straight out to Carol Baskin, CEO and founder of Big-Cat Rescue. Carol, why does Tony the Tiger`s situation at this truck stop upset you to the point where you`ve decided to do something about it?
CAROL BASKIN, CEO, FOUNDER OF BIG-CAT RESCUE: Well, it doesn`t just anger me. It`s the main reason people call us about tiger abuse in the United States, comes back to this truck stop. And it`s because he`s being kept in a tiny steel and concrete cell right next to the gas pumps at a truck stop that`s open 24 hours a day seven days a week. He can never escape the -- the sound of these diesel engines and the fumes from the gas pumps and from the cars and the vehicles coming through there.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Now, we reached out to the owner for his response about Tony the Tiger, who you`re going to see in the photo from CareToo.com. Michael Sandlin the owner said, quote, "Every American should have the right to own an animal of their choice as long as they`re able to maintain a proper habitat for the animal. His habitat is very adequate and compares in size to habitats in zoos across the country".
And then he asks, "Do you really think that Louisiana officials would issue permits if in fact the animal is in danger." Well, we have Michael Sandlin on the phone.
Personally, I don`t think the fact that the permit has been issued has anything to do with it because what she`s talking about is the emotional state of this animal as opposed to simply whether it has food and shelter. Michael, what are you saying in defense of keeping this animal in this enclosure?
MICHAEL SANDLIN, TONY THE TIGER`S OWNER (via telephone): Well, first of all, you know, Tony is a beautiful, healthy, young 10 -- 10-year-old male tiger. I`ve had Tony since he was a cub. And no one knows better on -- on how to take care of Tony than I do.
And basically, you know, Tony is not isolated. He has one-on-one attention, and customers come in and visit him all day long.
So, you know, the tiger is not isolated, and as far as his habitat, it`s a 3,200-square-foot habitat with a grassy area. It has air conditioning, a shelter where he can have privacy and a pool for swimming. And you know, Tony is just being very well taken care of. All of the government agencies come in. Actually, weekly and do an inspection. And everything is --
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, let me ask you this question. What about the charges that you`re making a buck off this tiger by promoting your truck stop -- is this your truck stop? It`s -- it`s called the Tiger Truck Stop. And people are saying you`re basically luring in customers using a tiger exhibit and therefore using this animal in order to make money. What`s your response to that?
SANDLIN: Well, I mean, this is a business. It is a truck stop. And you know, unlike Carol Baskin and Big-Cat Rescue, who`s heading this -- this whole charade of lies and half-truths against me in order to take the tiger away from me --
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, let me -- let me -- I just want to say this.
SANDLIN: I -- I don`t -- I don`t --
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: I -- I was a little concerned about your statement which I read where you accuse the people who are a critic -- critics of how Tony the Tiger is being kept of being domestic terrorists. Now, I have a problem with that because I think that insults the people who died on 9/11 who were killed by real terrorist. I want to bring in Jane Garrison for a second, an animal welfare expert.
What do you make of people who respond to criticisms of the condition of an animal by saying those people are domestic terrorists?
JANE GARRISON, ANIMAL WELFARE EXPERT: Oh, it`s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, Jane. He`s saying that people are terrorists, yet he is an animal abuser. He`s the first thing that he said was that customers come to the truck stop. So you can see that the only thing that`s important to him is actually using this tiger to draw people to his business.
That tiger in that video is exhibiting what`s called stereotypic behavior. That tiger is pacing back and forth. And when a caged animal does that, it`s a sign that the animal is frustrated, they are bored.
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. I want to give Michael an opportunity to respond to that. Michael?
SANDLIN: Well, that`s all a lie. The only reason the tiger is pacing back and forth is because these people, these animal rights activists, have come to the truck stop and thrown objects into the cage and --
VELEZ-MITCHELL: You know what --
GARRISON: That is not true. That is not true.
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Carol Baskin, what`s your response to that? The response that you`ve thrown rocks at the tiger.
BASKIN: People who love animals do not throw rocks at them. He is crafty and he`s (INAUDIBLE). He has a sign that says --
(CROSSTALK)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: All right. More after the break. After the break, we have some more.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: -- has been a breeding machine for 10 years straight. (INAUDIBLE) As I look in through the bars, she`s got two day old cubs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Turning now to a totally different tiger tug-of-war on the other side of the world in Thailand. A heartbreaking sight; a mama tiger and her baby tiger cubs held captive behind bars for the purposes of entertaining tourists, hundreds of them.
How can we be part of the solution? By not being part of the problem; it`s all about consumer demand.
Jane Garrison, you have been studying this tiger temple. What have you learned?
GARRISON: Oh, Jane, this is horrible. In western Thailand, Tiger Temple is run by Buddhist monks. What happens is people go to this facility to get their pictures taken with the tigers. What they see are about ten tigers in this canyon that are clearly drugged and people are getting their pictures taken with them, but what they don`t see is what`s happening behind the scenes.
Behind the scenes, there`s almost 100 tigers kept in tiny barren cages with not adequate food, no veterinary care, and what happens from there is that these tigers are part of this illegal trade in tiger parts. So it is a horrific scene for these tigers.
And what tourists don`t realize is that when they go there for their five minutes of so-called entertainment, they`re actually supporting a lifetime of torture for these tigers.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Numerous animal protection groups around the world have expressed alarm over the treatment of the tigers at the Tiger Temple in Thailand. Check this out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just can`t help but notice how quiet they are; virtually like they`re posing. You know, tigers are quiet in the heat but this was very odd. He just laid his head in the water bowl.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Take a look at that. Take a look at that. Did you just see that? The tiger`s head was in the water bowl like this. That`s not how tigers are normally.
Let`s see it one more time. Look at that. Tigers normally don`t just sit around like that and let people pet them while they`re -- look at this tiger. Ok.
People are saying, critics are saying these tigers appear to be drugged and out of it. They are charging the temple with abuse claiming that they may even be involved in illegal tiger trade. The Thailand Department of National Parks told ISSUES they carried out a thorough investigation and found no evidence of involvement in illicit trade or maltreatment against tigers.
Jane Garrison, obviously they didn`t see the tiger who could barely lift his head out of the water bowl.
GARRISON: Exactly. And did they look at the cages that these tigers are kept in 24 hours a day? Only ten tigers are taken to the canyon and then also, a report that was done by an animal protection group shows that 75 tigers have disappeared from that facility, and they keep renaming the tigers the same name.
See for Life, which is an organization that`s been following it, they`re encouraging people to write to the government of Thailand and tell them to do something about this, to close this facility, to send these tigers to a better place, to a sanctuary. It would take people five minutes to write a letter to the government of Thailand and to help these tigers and to pass the word to never, ever go to Tiger Temple in Thailand.
VELEZ-MITCHELL: Ultimately, our call to action, these are all consumer issues. You, the consumer, need to decide how you want to spend your money when it comes to animals because they cannot speak for themselves.
Thank you, fabulous panel, for joining me tonight.
Nancy Grace up next. She has a producer on the ground in North Carolina. She`s going to bring you the very latest breaking developments in the Zahra Baker case.
You are watching ISSUES on HLN.
END
6.19.2011
Tony the tiger at Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana
http://reporter.911animalabuse.com/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?w=92578&as=23072&d=171147
By Sky
Member
2 years ago
1 Post
Tony the tiger at Tiger Truck Stop in Louisiana
Action Request: Boycott
Location: Louisiana, United States
I thought society as a whole was better than this. I thought surely in this day in age we had grown to have compassion in our hearts. I will never understand how anybody can sleep at night knowing Tony is up at the Tiger Truck Stop suffering every minute of every day. The owner Michael Shawn Sandlin is so proud of his display of animal cruelty. He alone brings so much shame to the state of Louisiana and Iberville Parish. Every breath he takes is a waste. Michael Sandlin owes Tony the rest of his life. This man has been cruelly negligent with every single tiger that he has “owned” and has done so proudly and without any remorse. Take a good look at the fat guy with two tiger cubs laying beside him on the couch at the tiger truck stop web site. If he is allowed to keep Tony at the truck stop after the next council meeting February 17Th 2009 then shame on Louisiana. Google tiger truck stop/ go to www.FreeTony.com / go to www.care2.com and search tiger truck stop, Michael Sandlin or save truck stop tiger by all means educate yourself before you take a real good look at this situation. Do you really believe that it is okay for a TIGER to live at a TRUCK STOP being cruelly neglected and abused? If you do SHAME ON YOU. People that take their children there are teaching them that it is okay to commit a crime ANIMAL CRUELTY which is a felony in Louisiana. If you are buying gas from this truck stop then you are condoning what he is doing. I have talked to some of the truckers from tiger truck stop, not ONE walked away saying that they thought it was right to have tigers at the truck stop. On the Governors web site he says "Bobby Jindal believes Louisiana must break free from the lingering legacy of the past and fully embrace a government that is honest, more efficient, accountable to all its citizens and attractive to deal with by outside investors. Louisiana must proceed quickly and forcefully to overcome a stereotype built up over decades, which continues to hamper our ability to expand the economy and improve the quality of life in our state." Well do you think we can start with NOT having a tiger at a truck stop? Bobby Jindal definitely has the right mind set to turn Louisiana around and make it into a better place but that can never happen until the community joins him and they to want to live in a better state.
Sincerely, Sky Williamson
(go to www.FreeTony.com for more info.)
Location: Louisiana, United States
I thought society as a whole was better than this. I thought surely in this day in age we had grown to have compassion in our hearts. I will never understand how anybody can sleep at night knowing Tony is up at the Tiger Truck Stop suffering every minute of every day. The owner Michael Shawn Sandlin is so proud of his display of animal cruelty. He alone brings so much shame to the state of Louisiana and Iberville Parish. Every breath he takes is a waste. Michael Sandlin owes Tony the rest of his life. This man has been cruelly negligent with every single tiger that he has “owned” and has done so proudly and without any remorse. Take a good look at the fat guy with two tiger cubs laying beside him on the couch at the tiger truck stop web site. If he is allowed to keep Tony at the truck stop after the next council meeting February 17Th 2009 then shame on Louisiana. Google tiger truck stop/ go to www.FreeTony.com / go to www.care2.com and search tiger truck stop, Michael Sandlin or save truck stop tiger by all means educate yourself before you take a real good look at this situation. Do you really believe that it is okay for a TIGER to live at a TRUCK STOP being cruelly neglected and abused? If you do SHAME ON YOU. People that take their children there are teaching them that it is okay to commit a crime ANIMAL CRUELTY which is a felony in Louisiana. If you are buying gas from this truck stop then you are condoning what he is doing. I have talked to some of the truckers from tiger truck stop, not ONE walked away saying that they thought it was right to have tigers at the truck stop. On the Governors web site he says "Bobby Jindal believes Louisiana must break free from the lingering legacy of the past and fully embrace a government that is honest, more efficient, accountable to all its citizens and attractive to deal with by outside investors. Louisiana must proceed quickly and forcefully to overcome a stereotype built up over decades, which continues to hamper our ability to expand the economy and improve the quality of life in our state." Well do you think we can start with NOT having a tiger at a truck stop? Bobby Jindal definitely has the right mind set to turn Louisiana around and make it into a better place but that can never happen until the community joins him and they to want to live in a better state.
Sincerely, Sky Williamson
(go to www.FreeTony.com for more info.)
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