Attention: Louisana Senator Rick Ward - III - District 17; Reference Bill 250
E-mail wardr@legis.la.gov
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 94183
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(225) 342-2040
District Office
3741 Highway 1
Port Allen, LA 70767
Phone: (225) 246-8838
Legislative Assistant: Kim Daigle
I understand that you introduced bill SB 250 seeking to: "exempt certain persons from the requirements of the big exotic cats rules" (specifically to allow Michael Sandlin to keep Tony at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana.)
On Monday, April 28, SB 250 failed to pass by a vote of 19 Nays – 18 Yeas.
I understand that you can bring the bill back up again and indicated you will.
Many of us would like to know what is your rationale for trying to seek exemption for Michael Sandlin to keep Tony at Tiger Truck Stop, particularly in light of the fact that the Supreme Court has shut him down? Michael Sandlin is a prime example of why Act 715 was passed unanimously.
In 2006, the Louisiana state legislature unanimously passed Act 715 prohibiting citizens from keeping a tiger as a pet or exhibiting a tiger in the state. LDWF's position statement on privately ownership of tigers is very specific:
"It is the Department's position that private possession of tigers poses a significant hazard to public safety and is detrimental to the health of the animal. Prolonged confinement is by its nature stressful to tigers and proper long-term care by experienced persons is essential to the health of the animal."
Tony the Tiger on a box of cereal and a cartoon character is about as far the exploitation of these wild animals should go. In this case Tony the Tiger has been kept confined at a truck stop of all things for over 14 years. How absolutely cruel and heartless.
Have you been promised free gas from Michael Sandlin for the rest of your life? Gas prices are high you know. This question and rationale are just about as reasonable as you introducing bill 250 and indicating that it is your intention to push it again.
Would the decent Rick Ward please stand up and introduce Tony to a wild life sanctuary so he can live the rest of his life as he was meant to, and that definitely isn't locked in a cage at a truck stop. What is wrong with you? This situation is absolutely ludicrous and you should be ashamed of yourself. Perhaps withdrawing it and having Tony sent to a sanctuary would redeem you. Now that would be grrrrreat!
Since the Supreme Court has shut Michael Sandlin down he threatens if forced to give up Tony he will send the animal to G.W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, famous for it’s exploitation of tiger cubs where last year 23 baby tigers died. During an investigation, five more captive tigers died under the facility’s “care". The park’s owner, Joe Schreibvogel, is possibly the largest private owner of tigers in the U.S., along with more than 1,000 other animals. We are now fighting to have Sandlin the jerk, comply along with you, his jerk accomplice , plus fighting to have Joe the jerk in a roadside zoo totally shut down. ALDF is asking the Occupational Safety & Health Administration & Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service to investigate a recent horrific attack at G.W. Exotic, along with calling on LDWF to ensure that Tony is transferred to a legitimate & reputable sanctuary, otherwise this would violate both Louisiana & Oklahoma state laws.
So to reiterate, what is your rationale for trying to seek exemption for Michael Sandlin to keep Tony at Tiger Truck Stop?
I and others look forward to your response.
Marsha Andrews
mandrews22@gmail.com
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PLEASE TAKE ACTION FOR TONY NOW!!!! Louisiana Senator Rick Ward has introduced bill SB 250 seeking to: "exempt certain persons from the requirements of the big exotic cats rules" (specifically to allow Michael Sandlin to keep Tony at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana.)
The bill has passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is up for a vote before the full Senate. PLEASE SIGN this PETITION telling them to OPPOSE SB 250 and to UPHOLD Louisiana State Law PROHIBITING private ownership of tigers.
Tony has been exploited for nearly 14 years at the truck stop. Tigers are not gimmicks, attractions, props or pets. They are magnificent big cats who deserve our respect and protection. Tony should be given the opportunity to retire to a peaceful, healthy, natural environment. Accredited reputable big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide him such a life. No animal should be exploited as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.
To:
Louisiana State Senate
State Sen. Rick Ward, Louisiana-017
I respectfully request that you uphold Louisiana state law prohibiting private ownership of tigers and OPPOSE SB 250.
In 2006, the Louisiana state legislature unanimously passed Act 715, which required Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to control the private ownership of big cats. The department enacted regulations prohibiting citizens from keeping a tiger as a pet or exhibiting a tiger in the state. In passing these regulations, the department rightly declared that possession of big cats and certain other exotic animals poses significant hazards to public safety and health and is detrimental to the welfare of the animals.
LDWF's position statement on privately ownership of tigers:
"It is the Department's position that private possession of tigers poses a significant hazard to public safety and is detrimental to the health of the animal. Prolonged confinement is by its nature stressful to tigers and proper long-term care by experienced persons is essential to the health of the animal."
Tony has been exploited for nearly 14 years at the truck stop. Tigers are not gimmicks, attractions, props or pets. They are magnificent, dangerous big cats who deserve our respect and protection. Tony should be given the opportunity to retire to a peaceful, healthy, natural environment. Accredited reputable big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide him such a life. No animal should be exploited as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.
Please OPPOSE SB 250.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
More Actions To Take For Tony Regarding SB 250
Free Tony The Tiger
Consolidating actions to take to help Tony regarding SB 250. Louisiana Senator Rick Ward has introduced bill SB 250 seeking to: "exempt certain persons from the requirements of the big exotic cats rules" (specifically to allow Michael Sandlin to keep Tony at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana.)
