WILL YOU SAVE ME
Tony VERY Skinny
Showing posts with label "exotic cats". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "exotic cats". Show all posts
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.”
11.11.2011
Does a Tiger Belong at a Truck Stop? Judge Rules No
Tony Stuck at Truck Stop Since 11-wk Old Cub.
A Louisiana judge ruled this week that Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin’s 550-pound Bengal-Siberian tiger can no longer be kept at the truck stop in Gross Tete, Louisiana. Judge Michael Caldwell ruled that Sandlin’s current permit to keep the cat, issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries, was illegally issued, must be revoked, and can’t be renewed.
VIDEO: Big Cats in the Backyard! - All New season of Fatal Attractions begins Friday, Nov. 11 at 9 p.m.
The ruling by Judge Caldwell favors a motion set forth by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to force the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to revoke the permit that allows Sandlin to keep the tiger at the business. Since he was 11 weeks old, Tony has been a draw for gawking motorists who patronize the truck stop, buying food, gassing up and sticking around to get a picture with him.
[STORY: Why do people collect wild, dangerous animals and what laws are in place to control them? ]
Sandlin argues that moving Tony now would be cruel and indicates that the truck stop is neatly kept, flowers blooming outside, on a quiet road away from the interstate. Tony’s cage has a grassy area, a large water tank for Tony to swim in, hanging tire and other toys — even shade and an air-conditioned den. His 3,600-square-foot cage is surrounded by a 10-foot chain link fence topped with barbed wire, set back several feet.
[What's the Deal: Why do people choose to have exotic pets?]
The ALDF contends it’s dangerous holding a big tiger at a business, recalling last month’s exotic wildlife tragedy in Zanesville, Ohio
What Do You Think?
Tigers are kept as exotic pets in various parts of the nation. Some are well taken care of in beautiful sprawling sanctuaries, others not so much — as witnessed in Zanesville and other low-rent petting zoos dotting the interstates. Where should Tony go now?
More on exotic pets: Fatal Attractions: Watch Encounters With Big Cats | Quiz: Could You Own a Perilous Pet? | Read: Tigers, Bears Escape in Ohio | Fatal Attractions: NEW SEASON STARTS NOV. 11
http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news/2011/11/does-a-tiger-belong-at-a-truck-stop-judge-rules-no.html
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)
10.13.2011
ENRICHMENTS FOR TIGERS LIKE TONY ~
{THAT ARE CHEAP AND EASY TO DO, TO GIVE HIM A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE}
ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES WE HAVE ALL HAD WITH TONY BEING AT TIGER TRUCK STOP BESIDES THE OBVIOUS :
THE LOCATION OF HIS ENCLOSURE, THE NEGLECT HE HAS HAD TO ENDURE SINCE HE HAS BEEN THERE.
THE NEED FOR TONY TO HAVE A NEW POOL (ONE THAT HE WILL ACTUALLY GET IN AND ONE THAT HE IS NOT SCARED OF LIKE THE TROUGH HE HAS NOW.
SHADED TREES NEEDED TO BE PLANTED IN HIS SMALL GRASS AREA. NOT SHRUBS, BUT TREES THAT ARE PLANTED THAT ARE OF A GOOD SIZE, THAT WILL GIVE TONY SHADE FROM THE LOUISIANA SUN.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, TONY IS A TIGER NOT A LION.
TIGERS DO NOT ADJUST TO THE HEAT LIKE LIONS DO, BECAUSE OF THEIR ORIGIN AND TIGERS (TONY) OUT OF ALL BIG CATS ARE KNOWN TO SWIM THE MOST AND ENJOY THE WATER MORE THEN ANY OTHER EXOTIC CAT.
TONY NEEDS A NEW POOL. ONE THAT HE ACTUALLY WILL SUBMERGE HIMSELF INTO.
SUCH LITTLE THINGS ADDED TO HIS CAGE COULD HAVE GIVEN TONY A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
THINGS LIKE ENRICHMENTS THAT ARE NOT EXPENSIVE, THAT TAKE SO LITTLE TIME TO MAKE OR PREPARE FOR THIS TIGER.
IN TONY'S CASE THE FACT THAT HE HAS NO COMPANIONS OF HIS KIND NEAR HIM, HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EVER MATE WITH ANOTHER TIGER(due to the fact that he was born in Captivity- but captivity or not, This would not omit the Strong Natural Instincts of a Male Tiger). IS EVEN MORE OF A REASON THAT HIS CAGE SHOULD BE FILLED WITH MANY ENRICHMENTS SO TONY NEVER GETS BORED AND HE IS KEPT STIMULATED.
WHAT IS ENRICHMENT~ THE DEFINITION FOR ENRICHMENT IN ANY DICTIONARY IS " THE ACT OF MAKING FULLER OR MORE MEANINGFUL OR REWARDING"
WHEN RESEARCHING SOME OF THESE ENRICHMENTS, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
THE CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP CATS IN CAPTIVITY FROM FEELING BORED AND MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY STIMULATED GO ON AND ON AND ON.
SO WHY HASN'T TONY BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE????
A FEW EXAMPLES THAT COULD GIVE TONY MORE THINGS TO OCCUPY HIMSELF RATHER THEN PACING BACK AND FORTH CONTINUOUSLY. GIVING HIM SOMETHING THAT WOULD MOTIVATE HIM OR INTEREST HIM , INSTEAD OF HIS DAILY ROUTINE OF BOREDOM.
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT SIMPLE STEPS IN DOING THIS CAN INCREASE THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY AND MOST*IMPORTANTLY GIVE THEM A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
THERE IS NO REASON WHY TONY CANNOT EXPERIENCE THESE LITTLE FORMS OF CONTENTMENT.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO INSIST ON OWNING A TIGER AND KEEP IT HELD CAPTIVE~THEN WHY DON'T YOU PROVIDE IT WITH THE BEST ENVIRONMENT/HABITAT POSSIBLE??????
BIG CATS PREFER SCENTS , TREATS, AND MENTAL STIMULATION.
SUCH THINGS TONY SHOULD BE EXPERIENCING:
CHICKEN SICKLES-
(uncooked, small pieces of chicken — meat only — that are frozen in chicken broth in small containers and given like pop-sickles)
WILLOW BRANCHES WITH VARIOUS SCENTS ON THEM-
(lavender or Vick’s Vapo Rub are favorites for the large cats) Big Cats LOVE LAVENDER!!!!! Simply putting Lavender on different toys of Tony's would be so good for him....I would love to see his Reaction to this for the first time.
A few dabs of Vicks or Lavender on branches, trees or Burlap Sacks, make Cats rub themselves on it..they are in Cat Heaven when they experience this, and have been known to rub themselves up against this while closing their eyes and then rolling around and around lying there with their bellies up in the air :)
BURLAP SACKS AND CARDBOARD BOXES FILLED WITH HAY-
Another great form of stimulation as Big Cats will play and pounce on these toys, shredding them apart as if they would their pray. and NO hay is not harmful to Tony.....Even a simply Card Board Box would give Tony some enjoyment. Such simply things to "Keep his Mind and Body Stimulated"....
HARD BOOMER BALLS ATTACHED FROM A TREE-
We all know that Tony has a few of these Balls but it would be Wonderful if he had some hanging from a Tree or some other high attachment with a hook, a giant spring covered with PVC pipe to which they could attach a hard plastic Boomer Ball® or burlap sack. The tigers attack and tug at the unyielding item as if it were struggling prey.
BIG BONES WITH MEAT ON THEM-
For most healthy cats this is the Perfect Way To Encourage "Natural Crushing" and also the best way to Keep a Cat's Teeth Clean...Tony's teeth are very yellow from years of not having enough Bones to Chew on to Remove all the Build up he has on them..I hope they do not give him problems..
TREE TRUNKS-
Absolutely costs not one cent, and again would be Great for Tony to Scratch on and also mark his Scent~as that is what Tigers love to do.....A few (FRESH) Tree Trunks tossed in his Grassy Area would be a Huge Welcome to Tony for sure!
FORAGING ENRICHMENT-
Not always putting Tony's food out on the ground or his feeding dish. Putting some of his food in Hidden Areas such as in Carved out Pumpkins or again Burlap Sacks , causing him to tear and shred at them as if they were prey~would be an Excellent Stimulant for Tony as he searches to get his Food.
STRONG PAPER BAGS FILLED WITH TREATS AND SCENTS-
Again these small little and easy things to make would make such a difference to Tony.
ICE CUBES-
Save plastic containers all sizes and properly clean them (dishwasher and/or bleach preferred thoroughly rinsed). Save the blood that comes from the meats that is fed to the cats and pour the blood water into the empty containers. Let freeze 24 hours. Remove the frozen "blood-sickles" from the containers and give to the cats. For lions and tigers, you may use large buckets to get extra large blood ice blocks, remember to remove the bucket before giving the items to the cats.
MORE ALTERNATIVE TOYS-
Tigers love pumpkins, acorn squash or water melons. They can play with these items and tear them up. You may also want to freeze these items.
THINK ABOUT THIS. TONY HAS PACED AND WALKED THE PERIMETER OF HIS CAGE OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR 11 YEARS NOW....
DON'T YOU ALL THINK HE DESERVES A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE?
ALL THESE LISTED ARE SO INEXPENSIVE AND SO EASY TO MAKE.
TONY DESERVES ALL THIS PLUS SO MUCH MORE.
Lavender oil
Tigers Love Trees for scratching, sharpening their nails....
Tiger in a Lavender Bubble Bath :)
Tony needs more to his Routine Life.... Photo courtesy of MJHaik
ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES WE HAVE ALL HAD WITH TONY BEING AT TIGER TRUCK STOP BESIDES THE OBVIOUS :
THE LOCATION OF HIS ENCLOSURE, THE NEGLECT HE HAS HAD TO ENDURE SINCE HE HAS BEEN THERE.
THE NEED FOR TONY TO HAVE A NEW POOL (ONE THAT HE WILL ACTUALLY GET IN AND ONE THAT HE IS NOT SCARED OF LIKE THE TROUGH HE HAS NOW.
SHADED TREES NEEDED TO BE PLANTED IN HIS SMALL GRASS AREA. NOT SHRUBS, BUT TREES THAT ARE PLANTED THAT ARE OF A GOOD SIZE, THAT WILL GIVE TONY SHADE FROM THE LOUISIANA SUN.
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, TONY IS A TIGER NOT A LION.
TIGERS DO NOT ADJUST TO THE HEAT LIKE LIONS DO, BECAUSE OF THEIR ORIGIN AND TIGERS (TONY) OUT OF ALL BIG CATS ARE KNOWN TO SWIM THE MOST AND ENJOY THE WATER MORE THEN ANY OTHER EXOTIC CAT.
TONY NEEDS A NEW POOL. ONE THAT HE ACTUALLY WILL SUBMERGE HIMSELF INTO.
SUCH LITTLE THINGS ADDED TO HIS CAGE COULD HAVE GIVEN TONY A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
THINGS LIKE ENRICHMENTS THAT ARE NOT EXPENSIVE, THAT TAKE SO LITTLE TIME TO MAKE OR PREPARE FOR THIS TIGER.
IN TONY'S CASE THE FACT THAT HE HAS NO COMPANIONS OF HIS KIND NEAR HIM, HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EVER MATE WITH ANOTHER TIGER(due to the fact that he was born in Captivity- but captivity or not, This would not omit the Strong Natural Instincts of a Male Tiger). IS EVEN MORE OF A REASON THAT HIS CAGE SHOULD BE FILLED WITH MANY ENRICHMENTS SO TONY NEVER GETS BORED AND HE IS KEPT STIMULATED.
WHAT IS ENRICHMENT~ THE DEFINITION FOR ENRICHMENT IN ANY DICTIONARY IS " THE ACT OF MAKING FULLER OR MORE MEANINGFUL OR REWARDING"
WHEN RESEARCHING SOME OF THESE ENRICHMENTS, THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
THE CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP CATS IN CAPTIVITY FROM FEELING BORED AND MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY STIMULATED GO ON AND ON AND ON.
SO WHY HASN'T TONY BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE????
A FEW EXAMPLES THAT COULD GIVE TONY MORE THINGS TO OCCUPY HIMSELF RATHER THEN PACING BACK AND FORTH CONTINUOUSLY. GIVING HIM SOMETHING THAT WOULD MOTIVATE HIM OR INTEREST HIM , INSTEAD OF HIS DAILY ROUTINE OF BOREDOM.
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT SIMPLE STEPS IN DOING THIS CAN INCREASE THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY AND MOST*IMPORTANTLY GIVE THEM A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
THERE IS NO REASON WHY TONY CANNOT EXPERIENCE THESE LITTLE FORMS OF CONTENTMENT.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO INSIST ON OWNING A TIGER AND KEEP IT HELD CAPTIVE~THEN WHY DON'T YOU PROVIDE IT WITH THE BEST ENVIRONMENT/HABITAT POSSIBLE??????
BIG CATS PREFER SCENTS , TREATS, AND MENTAL STIMULATION.
SUCH THINGS TONY SHOULD BE EXPERIENCING:
CHICKEN SICKLES-
(uncooked, small pieces of chicken — meat only — that are frozen in chicken broth in small containers and given like pop-sickles)
WILLOW BRANCHES WITH VARIOUS SCENTS ON THEM-
(lavender or Vick’s Vapo Rub are favorites for the large cats) Big Cats LOVE LAVENDER!!!!! Simply putting Lavender on different toys of Tony's would be so good for him....I would love to see his Reaction to this for the first time.
A few dabs of Vicks or Lavender on branches, trees or Burlap Sacks, make Cats rub themselves on it..they are in Cat Heaven when they experience this, and have been known to rub themselves up against this while closing their eyes and then rolling around and around lying there with their bellies up in the air :)
BURLAP SACKS AND CARDBOARD BOXES FILLED WITH HAY-
Another great form of stimulation as Big Cats will play and pounce on these toys, shredding them apart as if they would their pray. and NO hay is not harmful to Tony.....Even a simply Card Board Box would give Tony some enjoyment. Such simply things to "Keep his Mind and Body Stimulated"....
HARD BOOMER BALLS ATTACHED FROM A TREE-
We all know that Tony has a few of these Balls but it would be Wonderful if he had some hanging from a Tree or some other high attachment with a hook, a giant spring covered with PVC pipe to which they could attach a hard plastic Boomer Ball® or burlap sack. The tigers attack and tug at the unyielding item as if it were struggling prey.
BIG BONES WITH MEAT ON THEM-
For most healthy cats this is the Perfect Way To Encourage "Natural Crushing" and also the best way to Keep a Cat's Teeth Clean...Tony's teeth are very yellow from years of not having enough Bones to Chew on to Remove all the Build up he has on them..I hope they do not give him problems..
TREE TRUNKS-
Absolutely costs not one cent, and again would be Great for Tony to Scratch on and also mark his Scent~as that is what Tigers love to do.....A few (FRESH) Tree Trunks tossed in his Grassy Area would be a Huge Welcome to Tony for sure!
FORAGING ENRICHMENT-
Not always putting Tony's food out on the ground or his feeding dish. Putting some of his food in Hidden Areas such as in Carved out Pumpkins or again Burlap Sacks , causing him to tear and shred at them as if they were prey~would be an Excellent Stimulant for Tony as he searches to get his Food.
STRONG PAPER BAGS FILLED WITH TREATS AND SCENTS-
Again these small little and easy things to make would make such a difference to Tony.
ICE CUBES-
Save plastic containers all sizes and properly clean them (dishwasher and/or bleach preferred thoroughly rinsed). Save the blood that comes from the meats that is fed to the cats and pour the blood water into the empty containers. Let freeze 24 hours. Remove the frozen "blood-sickles" from the containers and give to the cats. For lions and tigers, you may use large buckets to get extra large blood ice blocks, remember to remove the bucket before giving the items to the cats.
MORE ALTERNATIVE TOYS-
Tigers love pumpkins, acorn squash or water melons. They can play with these items and tear them up. You may also want to freeze these items.
THINK ABOUT THIS. TONY HAS PACED AND WALKED THE PERIMETER OF HIS CAGE OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR 11 YEARS NOW....
DON'T YOU ALL THINK HE DESERVES A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE?
ALL THESE LISTED ARE SO INEXPENSIVE AND SO EASY TO MAKE.
TONY DESERVES ALL THIS PLUS SO MUCH MORE.
Lavender oil
Tigers Love Trees for scratching, sharpening their nails....
Tiger in a Lavender Bubble Bath :)
Tony needs more to his Routine Life.... Photo courtesy of MJHaik
9.21.2011
8.30.2011
Ruling in Tiger Truck Stop case tossed
Ruling in Tiger Truck Stop case tossed
Associated Press
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:16 AM
Updated today at 12:36 PM
- BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Baton Rouge appeals court has threw out a judge's ruling that barred state officials from issuing any new permits to an Iberville Parish truck stop to keep a 550-pound tiger on display.
Caldwell's ruling in May came after the Animal Legal Defense Fund sued the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to have the tiger removed from the Interstate 10 truck stop.
Only attorneys for the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the state took part in the first hearing.
___
Information from: The Advocate, http://www.2theadvocate.com
http://www.wwltv.com/news/128664408.html
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8.15.2011
This week in awesome: Truckstop tiger granted freedom
| Written by: Walter Pierce |
| Friday, 06 May 2011 |
A Baton Rouge judge Friday granted a permanent injunction preventing the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries from renewing a truckstop owner’s license to keep a 550-pound Siberian-Bengal tiger in a 700-square-foot enclosure at his Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete. The ruling by District Judge Mike Caldwell means, barring an appeal, that Michael Sandlin will have to get rid of Tony the tiger in December when the permit lapses. Caldwell denied the plaintiffs’ motion that the permit be revoked immediately. Court costs were assessed against LDWF. The ruling is a huge victory for Portland, Ore.-based Animal Legal Defense Fund, which filed suit against LDWF last month seeking to free Tony. According to ALDF spokeswoman Lisa Franzetta, ALDF will try to work with LDWF in December to find a good home for the tiger. Many supporters of the animal’s emancipation have lobbied to have him transferred to a big-cat sanctuary. Tiger Truck Stop once boasted as many as six tigers and has long been the target of animal rights supporters. In 2009, LDWF ruled that Sandlin’s cat clink should be grandfathered and not subject to a new state law barring private ownership of exotic animals. ALDF challenged Sandlin’s legal ownership of the animal citing a 1993 ordinance in Iberville Parish that also prohibits exotic-animal ownership. The suite posited that if Sandlin didn’t legally own the 10-year-old Tony due to the Iberville law, he couldn't legally be grandfathered in and granted a permit from the state. Judge Caldwell found Sandlin in violation of the section of law requiring the owner to live on the premises where the exotic animal is caged. Former state Rep. Warren Triche, who authored the 2006 state law banning private ownership of exotic animals, was a co-plaintiff along with two state residents. A Baton Rouge law firm is provided pro bono assistance with the litigation. “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 in a press release heralding the ruling. “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.” No word yet on whether Sandlin plans to appeal. http://www.theind.com/news/8255-today-in-awesome-truckstop-tiger-granted-freedom |
8.12.2011
❤REPOST~REMINDER❤ FROM 7.27.2011 THANK YOU MARY HAIK
New Photos of Tiger Truck Stop 7.27.2011 Courtesy M. Haik
These pictures were taken July 27, 2011. In some you will see Tony inside his "den."It’s interesting how Tony’s “habitat” has been painted from the drab grey to the bright purple and gold - - no further permits can be issued to Tony’s owner, Mr. Sandlin, by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife in Fisheries, so why the “upgrade” now? The current permit expires December 2011. No amount of paint will disguise the fact that Tony is exploited as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.
This reply was received today from the LDWF to an inquiry about Tony: 7.28.11
“In the legal action taken by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which is seeking to have the LDWF permit (now in effect) revoked, a court hearing set for July 22 was continued upon request from the attorney representing the tiger's owner. The plaintiffs did not object and a new court date is expected to be set soon.”
Bo Boehringer
Press Secretary
LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
- All Photos Used With Permission from & © M. Haik 7.27.2011
All pictures are used here with permission from and © M. Haik.
- All Photos Used With Permission from & © M. Haik 7.27.2011
These pictures were taken July 27, 2011. In some you will see Tony inside his "den."
This reply was received today from the LDWF to an inquiry about Tony: 7.28.11
“In the legal action taken by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which is seeking to have the LDWF permit (now in effect) revoked, a court hearing set for July 22 was continued upon request from the attorney representing the tiger's owner. The plaintiffs did not object and a new court date is expected to be set soon.”
Bo Boehringer
Press Secretary
LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
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