1. Sign and Share Tony’s Petitions – Petitions are a great way to keep Tony’s story active, people supportive and also demonstrate the vast amount of supporters Tony has all over the world who want to see him relocated to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Please sign the petitions and share them via email, Twitter and Facebook. There are easy sharing options at the links below.
ALDF Sponsored Petitions:
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5154/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6207
http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
Care2 Sponsored Petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/129/272/008/
2. Let The LDWF know your objections to the renewal of their permit and that Tony must be relocated to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Information for the key people to contact can be found here:
Your letters, emails, and phone calls objecting to the renewal of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries permit to Tony’s owner are an important part of advocating for Tony. Please contact the following individuals and agencies. Louisiana Residents: You have a strong voice for Tony – let your elected officials know this situation is unacceptable in your state. Congress.org is a great site to find contact information – just enter your zip code in the right hand side of this link: http://www.congress.org/ to find the postal addresses and contact forms of your elected officials. If you register for free with congress.org you can also directly email your state and federal officials from the site.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Maria Davidson
Large Carnivore Program Manager
Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries
5652 Highway 182
Opelousas LA 70570
Phone: (337) 948-0255
Fax: (337) 948-0213
e-mail: mdavidson@wlf.la.gov
Fred Kimmel (Ms. Davidson’s supervisor)
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2355
e-mail: fkimmel@wlf.la.gov
Main Office:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2800
Robert J. Barham, Secretary
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
Phone: (225) 765-2623
Fax: (225) 765-2607
e-mail: Chendrick@wlf.louisiana.gov
Please also try these direct e-mail addresses for Sec. Barham – so far they have not bounced back:
rbarham@wlf.la.gov
sfalcon@wlf.la.gov
website: http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&cpid=16
website: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
web e-mail form: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/contact
FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/Louisiana-Department-of-Wildlife-and-Fisheries/112762357891
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ldwf
Governor Bobby Jindal
Office of The Governor
P. O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Phone: (225) 342-7015
Fax: (225) 342-7099
web e-mail form: http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
Governor Jindal’s FaceBook Page: http://www.facebook.com/bobbyjindal
website: http://www.gov.state.la.us/
Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Capitol Annex Building
1051 North Third Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Also:
P.O. Box 44243
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-424
Phone: (225) 342-7009
Fax: (225) 342-1949
e-mail: ltgov@crt.state.la.us
online e-mail contact form: http://www.ltgov.la.gov/?md=form&tmp=share_ideas
website: http://www.ltgov.la.gov/
Louisiana State Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell
Constituent Services
Street: 1885 N. Third Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Mail: P.O Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone: 225-326-6079
Website: http://www.ag.louisiana.gov/index.aspx
More Information: http://www.ag.louisiana.gov/Article.aspx?articleID=28&catID=12
Note: Contact information for state legislature and congress representative below is for those individuals representing Grosse Tete. Please contact the state senator/representative and congressman of your district. Find out who your representatives are here: http://www.congress.org/ by entering your zip code under “Get Involved.”
State Legislators
Sen. Robert Marionneaux Jr. (Louisiana State Senate – District 17)
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 94183
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone: (225) 342-2040
Fax: (225) 342-0617
District Office
P.O. Box 577
Livonia, LA 70755-0577
Phone: (225) 637-3623
e-mail: lasen17@legis.state.la.us
website: http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Marionneaux/
Rep. Karen St. Germaine (House of Representatives – District 60)
Baton Rouge Office:
State Capitol,
Louisiana 70804-9062
Phone: (225) 342-6945
Fax: (225) 342-8336
Plaquemine Office:
57835 Plaquemine Street
Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764
Phone: (225) 687-2410
Fax: (225) 687-6272
e-mail: larep060@legis.state.la.us
Website: http://house.legis.state.la.us/H_Reps/members.asp?ID=60
Congress
The Honorable David Vitter
United States Senate
516 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1804
Phone: (202) 224-4623
Fax: (202) 228-5061
858 Convention Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 383-0331
Fax: (225) 383-0952
web e-mail form: http://vitter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
website: http://vitter.senate.gov/public/
The Honorable Mary Landrieu
United States Senate
328 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1803
Phone: (202) 224-5824
Fax: (202) 224-9735
707 Florida Street, Room 326
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 389-0395
Fax: (225) 389-0660
web e-mail form: http://landrieu.senate.gov/about/contact.cfm
website: http://landrieu.senate.gov/
Rep. Rodney Alexander (Representing Louisiana’s 5th district)
Washington, D.C. Office:
316 Cannon House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-1805
Phone: (202) 225-8490
Fax: (202) 225-5639
Alexandria Office:
1412 Center Court, Suite 402
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Phone: (318) 445-0818
Fax: (318) 445-3776
Monroe Office:
1900 Stubbs Avenue, Suite B
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
Phone: (318) 322-3500
Fax: (318) 322-3577
Web e-mail form: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http%3A%2F%2Falexander.house.gov
FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rodney-Alexander/20002702544
Webpage: http://alexander.house.gov/
Iberville Parish Council
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President
Physical Address:
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President’s Office
58050 Meriam Street
Plaquemine, LA 70765
Mailing Address:
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
Phone: (225) 687-5190
Fax: (225) 687-5250
e-mail: jburleigh@ibervilleparish.com
Iberville Parish President Executive Staff
Judith “Judy” L. Burleigh
Administrative Assistant
58050 Meriam Street
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
Business: (225) 687-5190
Fax: (225) 687-5250
e-mail: jburleigh@ibervilleparish.com
Edward “Lucky” Songy
Chief Administrative Officer
58050 Meriam Street
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
e-mail: esongy@ibervilleparish.com
Mayor of Grosse Tete
Mayor Michael Chauffe
P. O. Box 98
18125 Willow Street
Grosse Tete, LA 70740
Phone: (225) 648-2131
Louisiana Residents: It’s vital for your elected officials, The LDWF, etc. to hear from their own constituents. So please take the time to write, email or call to tell them a tiger used as a roadside attraction in your state is unacceptable. Contact Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal with your concerns for Tony. See Information:
Please participate in these 4 actions directed at Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.
State your concerns for Tony’s health and welfare and ask the Governor to address this serious animal welfare issue which is allowed to continue in his state. Please keep your correspondence on point and respectful – while we all are passionate about Tony’s situation, composed and courteous letters, phone calls, etc. have a better chance of being taken seriously.
While it’s vital for all of us to participate, Louisiana residents have the opportunity to make a real impact by supporting these actions:
Call the Governor’s office: 1-225-342-7015 or 1-225-342-0991
This can be an ongoing call in – maybe if we’re consistent it’ll provoke a response.
Postal letters can be sent to:Governor Bobby Jindal
Office of The Governor
P. O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Online e-mail contact form: http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
Thanks again to all of Tony’s friends for never giving up on him.
3. If you go to Tiger Truck Stop to see Tony document your visit with photographs or video and email them along with your personal statement to the founder of the FREE TONY THE TIGER CAMPAIGN at FREETONYTHETIGER@GMAIL.COM AND PLEASE ALSO SEND TO ALDF Matthew Liebman mliebman@aldf.org who is the head attorney taking care of Tony's court case.
Your concerns for Tony’s health and welfare along with your photos should also be brought to the attention of the LDWF: Secretary Barham, Maria Davidson and Fred Kimmel. Their contact information:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Maria Davidson
Large Carnivore Program Manager
Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries
5652 Highway 182
Opelousas LA 70570
Phone: (337) 948-0255
Fax: (337) 948-0213
e-mail: mdavidson@wlf.la.gov
Fred Kimmel (Ms. Davidson’s supervisor)
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2355
e-mail: fkimmel@wlf.la.gov
Main Office:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 765-2800
Robert J. Barham, Secretary
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
Phone: (225) 765-2623
Fax: (225) 765-2607
e-mail: Chendrick@wlf.louisiana.gov
Please also try these direct e-mail addresses for Sec. Barham – so far they have not bounced back:
rbarham@wlf.la.gov
sfalcon@wlf.la.gov
website: http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&cpid=16
website: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
web e-mail form: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/contact
FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/Louisiana-Department-of-Wildlife-and-Fisheries/112762357891
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ldwf
Governor Bobby Jindal
Office of The Governor
P. O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Phone: (225) 342-7015
Fax: (225) 342-7099
web e-mail form: http://www.gov.la.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor
Governor Jindal’s FaceBook Page: http://www.facebook.com/bobbyjindal
website: http://www.gov.state.la.us/
Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Capitol Annex Building
1051 North Third Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Also:
P.O. Box 44243
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-424
Phone: (225) 342-7009
Fax: (225) 342-1949
e-mail: ltgov@crt.state.la.us
online e-mail contact form: http://www.ltgov.la.gov/?md=form&tmp=share_ideas
website: http://www.ltgov.la.gov/
Louisiana State Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell
Constituent Services
Street: 1885 N. Third Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Mail: P.O Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone: 225-326-6079
Website: http://www.ag.louisiana.gov/index.aspx
More Information: http://www.ag.louisiana.gov/Article.aspx?articleID=28&catID=12
Note: Contact information for state legislature and congress representative below is for those individuals representing Grosse Tete. Please contact the state senator/representative and congressman of your district. Find out who your representatives are here: http://www.congress.org/ by entering your zip code under “Get Involved.”
State Legislators
Sen. Robert Marionneaux Jr. (Louisiana State Senate – District 17)
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 94183
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Phone: (225) 342-2040
Fax: (225) 342-0617
District Office
P.O. Box 577
Livonia, LA 70755-0577
Phone: (225) 637-3623
e-mail: lasen17@legis.state.la.us
website: http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Marionneaux/
Rep. Karen St. Germaine (House of Representatives – District 60)
Baton Rouge Office:
State Capitol,
Louisiana 70804-9062
Phone: (225) 342-6945
Fax: (225) 342-8336
Plaquemine Office:
57835 Plaquemine Street
Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764
Phone: (225) 687-2410
Fax: (225) 687-6272
e-mail: larep060@legis.state.la.us
Website: http://house.legis.state.la.us/H_Reps/members.asp?ID=60
Congress
The Honorable David Vitter
United States Senate
516 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1804
Phone: (202) 224-4623
Fax: (202) 228-5061
858 Convention Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 383-0331
Fax: (225) 383-0952
web e-mail form: http://vitter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
website: http://vitter.senate.gov/public/
The Honorable Mary Landrieu
United States Senate
328 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1803
Phone: (202) 224-5824
Fax: (202) 224-9735
707 Florida Street, Room 326
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 389-0395
Fax: (225) 389-0660
web e-mail form: http://landrieu.senate.gov/about/contact.cfm
website: http://landrieu.senate.gov/
Rep. Rodney Alexander (Representing Louisiana’s 5th district)
Washington, D.C. Office:
316 Cannon House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-1805
Phone: (202) 225-8490
Fax: (202) 225-5639
Alexandria Office:
1412 Center Court, Suite 402
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Phone: (318) 445-0818
Fax: (318) 445-3776
Monroe Office:
1900 Stubbs Avenue, Suite B
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
Phone: (318) 322-3500
Fax: (318) 322-3577
Web e-mail form: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/webreturn/?url=http%3A%2F%2Falexander.house.gov
FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rodney-Alexander/20002702544
Webpage: http://alexander.house.gov/
Iberville Parish Council
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President
Physical Address:
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President’s Office
58050 Meriam Street
Plaquemine, LA 70765
Mailing Address:
J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr.
Iberville Parish President
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
Phone: (225) 687-5190
Fax: (225) 687-5250
e-mail: jburleigh@ibervilleparish.com
Iberville Parish President Executive Staff
Judith “Judy” L. Burleigh
Administrative Assistant
58050 Meriam Street
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
Business: (225) 687-5190
Fax: (225) 687-5250
e-mail: jburleigh@ibervilleparish.com
Edward “Lucky” Songy
Chief Administrative Officer
58050 Meriam Street
P.O. Box 389
Plaquemine, LA 70765-0389
e-mail: esongy@ibervilleparish.com
Mayor of Grosse Tete
Mayor Michael Chauffe
P. O. Box 98
18125 Willow Street
Grosse Tete, LA 70740
Phone: (225) 648-2131
Also contact the USDA. From http://www.animalabuse.com : “Report Animal Abuse to USDA” It takes many years and many complaints to get the USDA to take action so it is important that you contact them with facts, photos, videos and information they can use.
USDA contact info at:
http://www.911animalabuse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45:report-animal-abuse-to-usda-&catid=29:info
The USDA’s Investigative and Enforcement Services http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ies/contacts.shtml
Please also try this e-mail address for USDA Secretary Vilsack: agsec@usda.gov and this e-mail for Lynn P. Bourgeois: Lynn.P.Bourgeois@aphis.usda.gov
If there are any veterinarians and experts who can attest to the detrimental effects on a tiger’s health caused by living at a truck stop provide your statements to ALDF Matthew Liebman mliebman@aldf.org who is the head attorney taking care of Tony's court case. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THEM TO BIG CAT RESCUE THAT WILL NOT HELP TONY'S CASE.
4. Continue to network Tony’s story; share the links to his ALDF, Facebook, Youtube and WordPress pages along with the link to this post and the founders facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SWTigers
Another great way to network for Tony is to add some or all of these links to the signature block of your outgoing emails. You’ll be letting people know about Tony with each email you send.
Links For Tony:
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Page For Tony: http://www.aldf.org/tony
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Video For Tony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaCM6QoWNd0
Tony’s Story: Animal Legal Defense Fund Files for Tony the Tiger's Freedom http://news.change.org/stories/animal-legal-defense-fund-files-for-tony-the-tigers-freedom
Tony’s Story
Video Courtesy of The Animal Legal Defense Fund
Video Courtesy of Big Cat Rescue of Tampa FL
UPDATE: October 7, 2011: The exception hearing on October 17th is rescheduled to November 2nd when the court will also hear The Animal Legal Defense Fund ‘s motion for a permanent injunction to revoke the permit which allows Mr. Sandlin to keep Tony at the truck stop.
UPDATE: September 20, 2011: Via The Animal Legal Defense Fund: The court has scheduled two new hearings in the Tony the Tiger case. On October 17th, the court will hear the State’s exceptions, which challenge the plaintiffs’ standing to bring the case. On November 2nd, the court will hear ALDF’s motion for a permanent injunction to revoke the permit that lets Michael Sandlin confine Tony at the Tiger Truck Stop.
UPDATE: August 29, 2011: Via The Animal Legal Defense Fund: “This morning, the Louisiana Court of Appeals ruled that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are necessary parties to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s lawsuit to free Tony the Tiger and ordered a new trial in the case. In so ruling, the Court vacated the permanent injunction issued by the trial court that would have freed Tony in December. The decision means ALDF will need to amend its complaint to add the new defendants, then re-do the litigation thus far. While we disagree with the Court of Appeals’ ruling, this is just a minor set-back. We are confident that the trial court got the law right the first time around and will rule the same way when we go through it again with Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop as parties.”
UPDATE: August 15, 2011: Today’s exception hearing concerning Mr. Sandlin’s attempt to have the case dismissed has been denied. The judge will not allow the “interveners” to be party to the suit or to have the case dismissed. More info: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/victory-for-tony-aldf-update-on-today%e2%80%99s-hearing-courtesy-of-mary-haik/
UPDATE: On August 15, lawyers for ALDF will be in court in Baton Rouge to defend against Michael Sandlin’s, attempt to get the case dismissed. The Court has also set a hearing date of September 15 for ALDF’s motion for a mandatory injunction, which seeks an immediate revocation of Sandlin’s permit to keep Tony.
UPDATE: July 18 2011: The hearing scheduled for July 22, 2011 has been postponed. More information will be posted when available.
UPDATE: June 28 2011: A hearing is now scheduled for July 22. Please continue to support Tony by signing his petitions and voicing your concern for him. Petition links and information on actions you can take for Tony: Your Continued Support For Tony Is Needed!!
Thank you.
UPDATE: June 14, 2011: The hearing scheduled for June 14 has been postponed to a later date yet to be determined. The hearing was continued to provide the Department an opportunity to conduct discovery, an essential stage of the litigation process.
UPDATE: June 3, 2011: Next Steps in ALDF’s Fight to Free Tony the Truck Stop Tiger http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1723 A new hearing on the motion for a mandatory injunction has been set for June 14.
UPDATE: May 16, 2011 From ALDF: Answers to Your Questions About ALDF’s Win for Tony the Tiger
http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1711 Please also see this post on how you can continue to support Tony:
Tony’s Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-TONY-the-Tiger/256505554394426
UPDATE: Victory For Tony!!! On May 6, 2011 Judge R. Michael Caldwell grants a permanent injunction which blocks The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from issuing a new permit to Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. More information: http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1700
UPDATE: On May 5, 2011 ALDF goes to court for Tony . More info: http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1699
UPDATE: On April 11, 2011 The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and its Secretary Robert Barham. The lawsuit argues that the permit issued by the LDWF which allows Tony to be kept on display at the truck stop violates state and local laws. Read more at: www.aldf.org/tony There are two ALDf sponsred petitions for Tony; please sign and share the links: http://tinyurl.com/tonyaldfpetition and http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
UPDATE: On December 14, 2010 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit to Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin allowing him to keep and display Tony at the truck stop. The permit renewal by no means discourages us to continue advocating for Tony and for the home and life he deserves at an accredited big cat sanctuary. For an updated list of ways you can continue being a voice for Tony. Thanks to all of Tony’s friends for you support and dedication to him – don’t ever give up the fight for this handsome tiger’s freedom.
http://www.lsureveille.com/news/tigers-find-new-home-after-suffering-neglect-1.1196294#5
The Louisiana legislature passed Act 715 in 2006 which prohibited the ownership and sale of large exotic cats, including tigers in Louisiana.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/byinst.asp?sessionid=06RS&billid=HB795&doctype=ALL
Those individuals who legally owned big cats as of August 15, 2006 were grandfathered in under this act. These owners would need to apply for an annual permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and adhere to additional restrictions and stipulations.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=la
On July 20, 2007 The Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote to Michael Sandlin informing him of the new state rules. He was given an application to fill out and submit and was told Tony would be grandfathered in if the permit was issued.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote Michael Sandlin on October 22, 2008 advising him that his application had been placed on hold based upon their discovery of the 1993 Iberville ban. Part of their new rules (LAC 76: V. 115. H.13) require that the facility be in compliance with all local ordinances. It was discovered that the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance prohibited ownership and display of exotic animals such as tigers, but the ordinance was never enforced.
Original and Amended Ordinance: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/revised-ordinance/
Because he was not in compliance with the 1993 Iberville ordinance ban on displaying wild animals, Mr. Sandlin was issued a citation form the LDW&F on November 17, 2008 and given 30 days to find a home for Tony outside the state of Louisiana. Mr. Sandlin was given until December 16, 2008 to relocate Tony.
Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit educational accredited big cat sanctuary in Tampa Florida wrote to Mr. Sandlin on November 22, 2008 and offered to take Tony and provide a permanent home for him at no cost to Mr. Sandlin. Big Cat Rescue’s offer went unanswered and they contacted Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Project Manager at the LDW&F and offered their assistance to seize Tony.
Mr. Sandlin filed a petition for a temporary restraining order on December 15, 2008 against the LDW&F to stop them from seizing Tony. Judge J. Robin Free signed the order on December 16, 2008.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,467398,00.html
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2008/12/judge-issues-order-in-tiger-case.html
December 16, 2008 Iberville Parish Council Meeting:
The issue of what to do with the tiger was not on the council’s agenda, but members agreed to let one representative from each delegation have three minutes to state their cases.
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2008/12/tigers-fate-discussion-gets-unruly-in.html
December 22, 2008
A court hearing that had been set for Dec. 29 was postponed to allow the council time to consider amending a 1993 parish ordinance that bars private individuals from exhibiting dangerous, wild animals such as tigers
http://bigcatrescue.org/2008/hearing-delayed-on-truck-stop-tiger/
February 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The council voted 11-1 to allow Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, to keep Tony — a decision that directly opposes parish ordinances restricting private ownership of exotic and dangerous animals.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,495805,00.html
February 28, 2009
Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso Jr. vetoed a parish ordinance the council approved on February 17, 2009 to allow a Mr. Sandlin to continue keeping a tiger at his place of business. In his veto message, Ourso wrote that the ordinance the council passed by a vote of 11-1 was deficient because it failed to provide “for permitting conditions to ensure the safety of the general public and the health and welfare of the tiger.”
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2009/02/parish-leader-vetoes-bill-to-allow.html
March 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The Iberville Parish Council voted Tuesday (March 17) to allow Tony the Tiger to stay at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, but only if an upgrade of his habitat will be made.
http://www.postsouth.com/archive/x108134875/Parish-Council-outlines-conditions-for-truck-stop-to-keep-tiger
Amended Ordinance: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/revised-ordinance/
Mr. Sandlin then had to obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A statement from the LDW&F large carnivore manager Maria Davidson read: ”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.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d16-Followup-on-Tony-the-Tiger-in-Grosse-Tete
Contrary to this statement, on December 14, 2009, the LDW&F granted the permit to Mr. Sandlin which allows him to keep Tony on display 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the truck stop.
http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/ldwf-grants-permit-to-tiger-truck-stop-12-29-2009/
In 2010, major organizations supported Tony: a WSPA sponsored petition gathered over 40,000 signatures; on November 22, 2010 , The Animal Legal Defense Fund petitioned the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries objecting to the permit renewal. Included in the petition 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. The World Wildlife’s Fund’s report Tigers Among US included Tony in their interactive map, change.org pushed Tony’s petition and also showcased his story and Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida advocated for Tony and his relocation to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Carole Baskin, CEO & Founder of BCR, spoke on behalf of Tony on ”Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell” and BCR has continually networked Tony’s story, produced videos of Tony, and issued an action alert for Tony’s supporters to sign which reached key decision makers regarding the permit renewal. BCR’s offer of a permanent home for Tony at their sanctuary was refused by Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. Despite people worldwide objecting to the permit renewal and the support of the aforementioned organizations, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit on December 14, 2010, allowing Mr. Sandlin to keep and display Tony.
July 2010 marked Tony’s tenth year of life as well as ten years at the truck stop. A captive tiger’s lifespan with the proper medical care, diet, habitat and enrichment is 15 to 20 years. Tony lives amid the noise and fumes of car and trucks continually, and his primary dwelling is a concrete and steel enclosure. He has no real opportunity to run, swim and receives little enrichment. His health, safety, welfare and quality of life are of great concern to many people all over the world. Accredited big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide a permanent home for Tony. The Free Tony The Tiger Campaign is committed to relocating Tony to such a sanctuary so he may live the rest of his years in peace and with the care and respect this magnificent cat deserves.
More links for Tony:
Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Site For Tony: www.aldf.org/tony
UPDATE: September 20, 2011: Via The Animal Legal Defense Fund: The court has scheduled two new hearings in the Tony the Tiger case. On October 17th, the court will hear the State’s exceptions, which challenge the plaintiffs’ standing to bring the case. On November 2nd, the court will hear ALDF’s motion for a permanent injunction to revoke the permit that lets Michael Sandlin confine Tony at the Tiger Truck Stop.
UPDATE: August 29, 2011: Via The Animal Legal Defense Fund: “This morning, the Louisiana Court of Appeals ruled that Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop are necessary parties to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s lawsuit to free Tony the Tiger and ordered a new trial in the case. In so ruling, the Court vacated the permanent injunction issued by the trial court that would have freed Tony in December. The decision means ALDF will need to amend its complaint to add the new defendants, then re-do the litigation thus far. While we disagree with the Court of Appeals’ ruling, this is just a minor set-back. We are confident that the trial court got the law right the first time around and will rule the same way when we go through it again with Mr. Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop as parties.”
UPDATE: August 15, 2011: Today’s exception hearing concerning Mr. Sandlin’s attempt to have the case dismissed has been denied. The judge will not allow the “interveners” to be party to the suit or to have the case dismissed. More info: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/victory-for-tony-aldf-update-on-today%e2%80%99s-hearing-courtesy-of-mary-haik/
UPDATE: On August 15, lawyers for ALDF will be in court in Baton Rouge to defend against Michael Sandlin’s, attempt to get the case dismissed. The Court has also set a hearing date of September 15 for ALDF’s motion for a mandatory injunction, which seeks an immediate revocation of Sandlin’s permit to keep Tony.
UPDATE: July 18 2011: The hearing scheduled for July 22, 2011 has been postponed. More information will be posted when available.
UPDATE: June 28 2011: A hearing is now scheduled for July 22. Please continue to support Tony by signing his petitions and voicing your concern for him. Petition links and information on actions you can take for Tony: Your Continued Support For Tony Is Needed!!
Thank you.
UPDATE: June 14, 2011: The hearing scheduled for June 14 has been postponed to a later date yet to be determined. The hearing was continued to provide the Department an opportunity to conduct discovery, an essential stage of the litigation process.
UPDATE: June 3, 2011: Next Steps in ALDF’s Fight to Free Tony the Truck Stop Tiger http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1723 A new hearing on the motion for a mandatory injunction has been set for June 14.
UPDATE: May 16, 2011 From ALDF: Answers to Your Questions About ALDF’s Win for Tony the Tiger
http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1711 Please also see this post on how you can continue to support Tony:
Tony’s Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-TONY-the-Tiger/256505554394426
UPDATE: Victory For Tony!!! On May 6, 2011 Judge R. Michael Caldwell grants a permanent injunction which blocks The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from issuing a new permit to Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. More information: http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1700
UPDATE: On May 5, 2011 ALDF goes to court for Tony . More info: http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1699
UPDATE: On April 11, 2011 The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and its Secretary Robert Barham. The lawsuit argues that the permit issued by the LDWF which allows Tony to be kept on display at the truck stop violates state and local laws. Read more at: www.aldf.org/tony There are two ALDf sponsred petitions for Tony; please sign and share the links: http://tinyurl.com/tonyaldfpetition and http://www.change.org/petitions/speak-out-for-tony-the-truck-stop-tiger
UPDATE: On December 14, 2010 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit to Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin allowing him to keep and display Tony at the truck stop. The permit renewal by no means discourages us to continue advocating for Tony and for the home and life he deserves at an accredited big cat sanctuary. For an updated list of ways you can continue being a voice for Tony. Thanks to all of Tony’s friends for you support and dedication to him – don’t ever give up the fight for this handsome tiger’s freedom.
Tony’s Story
Tony is a 11 year old Siberian/Bengal tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana. Tony is an example of the serious problem of privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers exceed tigers left in the wild. Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has bought, sold, bred, and exhibited tigers for over 20 years. In 2003, because of violations and fines, Mr. Sandlin and the USDA made an agreement where 3 of the 4 tigers he owned, Toby, Khan and Rainbow, were sent to Tiger Haven in Kingston TN. The USDA reduced the fines and allowed Mr. Sandlin to keep one tiger, Tony.http://www.lsureveille.com/news/tigers-find-new-home-after-suffering-neglect-1.1196294#5
The Louisiana legislature passed Act 715 in 2006 which prohibited the ownership and sale of large exotic cats, including tigers in Louisiana.
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/byinst.asp?sessionid=06RS&billid=HB795&doctype=ALL
Those individuals who legally owned big cats as of August 15, 2006 were grandfathered in under this act. These owners would need to apply for an annual permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and adhere to additional restrictions and stipulations.
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_state.php?s=la
On July 20, 2007 The Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote to Michael Sandlin informing him of the new state rules. He was given an application to fill out and submit and was told Tony would be grandfathered in if the permit was issued.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wrote Michael Sandlin on October 22, 2008 advising him that his application had been placed on hold based upon their discovery of the 1993 Iberville ban. Part of their new rules (LAC 76: V. 115. H.13) require that the facility be in compliance with all local ordinances. It was discovered that the 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance prohibited ownership and display of exotic animals such as tigers, but the ordinance was never enforced.
Original and Amended Ordinance: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/revised-ordinance/
Because he was not in compliance with the 1993 Iberville ordinance ban on displaying wild animals, Mr. Sandlin was issued a citation form the LDW&F on November 17, 2008 and given 30 days to find a home for Tony outside the state of Louisiana. Mr. Sandlin was given until December 16, 2008 to relocate Tony.
Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit educational accredited big cat sanctuary in Tampa Florida wrote to Mr. Sandlin on November 22, 2008 and offered to take Tony and provide a permanent home for him at no cost to Mr. Sandlin. Big Cat Rescue’s offer went unanswered and they contacted Maria Davidson, Large Carnivore Project Manager at the LDW&F and offered their assistance to seize Tony.
Mr. Sandlin filed a petition for a temporary restraining order on December 15, 2008 against the LDW&F to stop them from seizing Tony. Judge J. Robin Free signed the order on December 16, 2008.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,467398,00.html
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2008/12/judge-issues-order-in-tiger-case.html
December 16, 2008 Iberville Parish Council Meeting:
The issue of what to do with the tiger was not on the council’s agenda, but members agreed to let one representative from each delegation have three minutes to state their cases.
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2008/12/tigers-fate-discussion-gets-unruly-in.html
December 22, 2008
A court hearing that had been set for Dec. 29 was postponed to allow the council time to consider amending a 1993 parish ordinance that bars private individuals from exhibiting dangerous, wild animals such as tigers
http://bigcatrescue.org/2008/hearing-delayed-on-truck-stop-tiger/
February 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The council voted 11-1 to allow Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin, to keep Tony — a decision that directly opposes parish ordinances restricting private ownership of exotic and dangerous animals.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,495805,00.html
February 28, 2009
Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso Jr. vetoed a parish ordinance the council approved on February 17, 2009 to allow a Mr. Sandlin to continue keeping a tiger at his place of business. In his veto message, Ourso wrote that the ordinance the council passed by a vote of 11-1 was deficient because it failed to provide “for permitting conditions to ensure the safety of the general public and the health and welfare of the tiger.”
http://savethetigers62.blogspot.com/2009/02/parish-leader-vetoes-bill-to-allow.html
March 17, 2009 Iberville Parish Council Meeting
The Iberville Parish Council voted Tuesday (March 17) to allow Tony the Tiger to stay at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, but only if an upgrade of his habitat will be made.
http://www.postsouth.com/archive/x108134875/Parish-Council-outlines-conditions-for-truck-stop-to-keep-tiger
Amended Ordinance: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/revised-ordinance/
Mr. Sandlin then had to obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A statement from the LDW&F large carnivore manager Maria Davidson read: ”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.”
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d16-Followup-on-Tony-the-Tiger-in-Grosse-Tete
Contrary to this statement, on December 14, 2009, the LDW&F granted the permit to Mr. Sandlin which allows him to keep Tony on display 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the truck stop.
http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/ldwf-grants-permit-to-tiger-truck-stop-12-29-2009/
In 2010, major organizations supported Tony: a WSPA sponsored petition gathered over 40,000 signatures; on November 22, 2010 , The Animal Legal Defense Fund petitioned the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries objecting to the permit renewal. Included in the petition 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. The World Wildlife’s Fund’s report Tigers Among US included Tony in their interactive map, change.org pushed Tony’s petition and also showcased his story and Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida advocated for Tony and his relocation to an accredited big cat sanctuary. Carole Baskin, CEO & Founder of BCR, spoke on behalf of Tony on ”Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell” and BCR has continually networked Tony’s story, produced videos of Tony, and issued an action alert for Tony’s supporters to sign which reached key decision makers regarding the permit renewal. BCR’s offer of a permanent home for Tony at their sanctuary was refused by Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. Despite people worldwide objecting to the permit renewal and the support of the aforementioned organizations, The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries renewed their permit on December 14, 2010, allowing Mr. Sandlin to keep and display Tony.
July 2010 marked Tony’s tenth year of life as well as ten years at the truck stop. A captive tiger’s lifespan with the proper medical care, diet, habitat and enrichment is 15 to 20 years. Tony lives amid the noise and fumes of car and trucks continually, and his primary dwelling is a concrete and steel enclosure. He has no real opportunity to run, swim and receives little enrichment. His health, safety, welfare and quality of life are of great concern to many people all over the world. Accredited big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide a permanent home for Tony. The Free Tony The Tiger Campaign is committed to relocating Tony to such a sanctuary so he may live the rest of his years in peace and with the care and respect this magnificent cat deserves.
More links for Tony:
Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Site For Tony: www.aldf.org/tony
and the Link To This Post:
5. An easy way to contact the newspaper media about Tony can be found at: http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/dbq/media/ Choose Louisiana, and then 5 newspaper contacts. Suggested newspapers: Advocate, American Press, Daily Advertiser, Shreveport Times, Times-Picayune. These are 5 of the largest newspapers (in terms of circulation) in Louisiana. Click on “compose message,” then select “compose your own letter” and click “next step.” You will then be able to write your letter about Tony to these 5 newspapers.
6. Have a Twitter account? Tweet for Tony. You never know who will pick up on Tony’s story.
7. Louisiana television media contact list: http://www.mondotimes.com/world/usa/tv.html?state=18 Major stations like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in Baton Rouge are suggested to contact.
8. Major media contact information for CNN, ABC, etc, can be found at: http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=111
9. Jane Velez-Mitchell featured Tony’s story on her show “Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell” on November 12, 2010 http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/2010/11/13/from-issues-with-jane-velez-mitchell-tiger-tug-of-war/ Please contact the show and ask for a follow-up on Tony now that the LDWF issued their permit. Use this online contact form: http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?106 or this E-mail: jane@cnn.com On Twitter: http://twitter.com/issueswithjvm
ALDF:
Email: info@aldf.org
Reference: http://www.aldf.org/tony
WSPA:
Email: wspa@wspausa.org
Online contact form: http://www.wspa-usa.org/pages/1976_supporter_inquiry_form.cfm
Reference: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/460/714/941/
WWF:
Online contact form: http://worldwildlife.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/worldwildlife.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
Reference: http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/tigers/captive-tigers/index.html
Accredited sanctuaries are willing to give Tony the home and care he needs and deserves. It is imperative that Tony be relocated to such a sanctuary where he will have the opportunity to receive a life of peace and respect. The average life span of captive tigers who receive proper care is 15 to 20 years; for 10 years, Tony has been subjected to the detrimental elements of the truck stop, received inadequate care, and has been exploited as a roadside attraction. The lack of concern for his health and welfare is disturbing and shameful.
For Tony, please take a few minutes and participate in the above actions, and for the thousands of other privately owned tigers in the United States see this action alert from The Animal Legal Defense Fund: http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1801 and share this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLPJ3iR-ezg
Keep Roaring for Tony and these great cats who deserve our respect, protection and our advocacy on their behalf. Thank You.
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