Relocate Tony, a 10 year old tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana, to an accredited big cat sanctuary.

Governor Jindal

On your website you state: “I’m asking you to once again believe in Louisiana.” Many people would truly take your statement to heart if you took positive action in regard to a serious animal welfare issue in Louisiana.

I respectfully request you investigate the issue of a tiger named Tony used as a roadside attraction for all of his 10 years at Tiger Truck Stop I-10, Exit 139 / 76740 Garner Lane Grosse Tete, Louisiana 70740. Tony’s health, welfare and life are of great concern to people all over the world.

On November 22, 2010 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was petitioned by The Animal Legal Defense Fund who presented a very strong case on behalf of Tony. Included were expert statements testifying to the detrimental effects physically and mentally to Tony by keeping him at the truck stop. Legal issues, such as Tony being illegally owned per the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance, were addressed as well. Over 40,000 people signed a World Society For The Protection of Animals petition against the permit renewal. On December 2, 2010 a Louisiana resident pleaded Tony’s case, supported by legal facts, to the LDWF Board of Commissioners but her appeal was disregarded. Accredited big cat sanctuary Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida has been involved and supportive of Tony’s release, even offering a permanent home to him at their sanctuary.

Despite people worldwide objecting to the permit renewal to Tony’s owner Mr. Michael Sandlin, and the support of such organizations as Big Cat Rescue – Tampa FL, The Animal Legal Defense Fund, and The World Society for the Protection of Animals – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit on December 14, 2010, allowing Mr. Sandlin to keep and display Tony.

Tony is 10 years old, captive tigers can live 15-20 years with quality care – we can only wonder how many years Tony has left after living in the detrimental environment he has been in for a decade.

Tony needs to be relocated to an accredited big cat sanctuary where he will receive professional care, a natural habitat, medical care, a proper diet, enrichment and the respect and peace he deserves. Tigers are not gimmicks, props or attractions. Tony represents one of thousands of privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers are greater than tigers in the wild. Captive U.S. tigers are used in roadside zoos and attractions, photo ops and exhibitions, entertainment shows, pseudo-sanctuaries, bred for profit or are owned as “pets.” Others end up in canned hunts or are killed and sold on the black market.

Please investigate this serious issue which is being allowed to continue in your state and make a stand for Tony and these magnificent cats who need our help, protection and respect.