We are asking that Michael Sandlin's permit NOT be renewed in December 2010 which would allow him to continue to exploit Tony the Tiger as a gimick roadside attraction at the Tiger Truch Stop in Grosse Tete, Lousianna.
We ask that Tony be left to lead the rest of his natural life in a wildlife sanctuary.
No tiger is meant to lead a life of isolation never interacting with others of his species, living alone with no enrichment whatsoever.
No tiger is meant to live at the foot of a gas pump inhalining diesel gas fumes.
No tiger was meant to live on concrete.
No tiger was meant to be forced to endure deafening noise from cars and trucks 24 hours a day, or to be exposed to flashing camera lights in his face.
It's not a healthy place for a tiger to live if signs must be posted asking people not to throw rocks and bottles at him.
No captive facility, no matter how much space it provides, how well intentioned it is, or how hard it tries, is able to provide for the complex behavioral and physical needs of tigers. Zoos, circuses and truckstops deprive animals such as Tony, the Siberian/ Bengal tiger. To keep tigers in a small confined space such as the Tiger Truck Stop is inhumane.
On December 14, 1993 according to The New Orleans Times- Picayune, Tiger Truck Stop was evacuated for five hours after a tanker truck ruptured, spilling 400 gallons of highly flammable aviation fuel at the truck stop. This is not an appropriate place for an exoctic wild animal. Please do not renew the permit allowing Michael Sandlin to force Tony to live this way another year.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Colonel Winton Vidrine
Chief Enforcement Division
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge
Lousiana 70808
e-mail:
Lousiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
http://www.wlf.state.la.us/contact
phone:
(225) 765-2800
