PETITION TO REQUEST A NEW USDA INSPECTION OF TIGER TRUCK STOP

SInce hundreds of people witness the sad, neglectful conditions this truck stop's tiger lives in on a daily basis, it is time to request a new inspection of the facility. If any violations were found by the federal authorities, it would weigh heavily on the choices the Parish and State officials will be making later on.
We, the Undersigned,

Do respectfully request your agency's attention for the purpose of carrying out a surpirse, field inspection of the Tiger Truck Stop, Inc. located at 76730 Garner Lane / Interstate 10 exit 139, Grosse Tete, LA 70740; owned by Michael Sandlin of 16555 Ramah Road, Marangouin, LA 70757; and, with USDA license # 72-C-0116, 5603.
Our concern is a tiger being kept in the truck stop's parking lot in a cage.

Numerous, ongoing complaints from hundreds of citizens for several years now, have been lodged toward the local, parish, and state authorities; various animal advocacy groups and big cat sanctuaries in the region; the truck stop's owner; and, the media. These complaints are mainly from people who witnessed personally the unclean conditions of the tiger's cage; the tiger's emaciated appearance and pacing; the frequent lack of access to drinking water; the constant noxious fumes in the area; the complete lack of  stimulation; and, the close proximity of the cage to the outer fence which invites rock- and cigarette- throwing at the animal.

We therefore submit that your agency should investigate the following and other potential  violations of the Animal Welfare Act as Amended (7 USC, 2131-2159) , as well as the Animal Welfare Regulations ( Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 1, Subchapter A- Animal Welfare). In particular, we wish to point out that the perimeter fence appears to be too close to the enclosure in some places, in violation of Perimeter Fence: [3.127(d)] which states: " perimeter fence must: be located at least 3 feet from the primary enclosure"...It also is in very poor condition in several places.

We also respectfully would like to refer your agency's field Inspectors to the Exhibitor Inspection Guide sections:
-10.8 Structure and Construction (Facilities must be structurally sound,[ esp. outer fence]);
-10.12 Ventilation (The enclosed areas of a facility must be sufficiently ventilated....Ventilation must: - provide for the animal's health and well being. - minimize .....noxious fumes....);
-11.1 Cleaning (Primary structures must be cleaned as often as necessary to ensure the animal's health and well being.);
-11.2 Sanitation ( Are acceptable methods being used?)
-11.4 Space Requirements (Other animals[3.128, Policy #24]. This policy states, " -species that, under normal conditions, spend a significant portion of their time in water, such as cabybaras, river otters, hippopatomi, and tapirs, must have both dry and aquatic portions of the enclosure......"  Any consultation with a tiger expert would reveal that tigers spend a significant portion of their time in water- as much as tapirs and capybaras! Yet this tiger had no pool whatsoever for nine years, and just recently was given a very small horse tank with no circulation system. It is not big enough for swimming.

These points and many others should be investigated immediately to evaluate the health, safety, and stress level of this tiger.

Please inspect this business as soon as possible, as very recent reports from visitors to this place have confirmed this tiger is quite emaciated, and has been lunging at the cage walls.

Thank You for Your Time,
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