So what lead me to this on another snowy day? I read an article posted by @Tigers4Ever (on Twitter) which spoke of tigers being released but to areas already heavily populated and established by existing tigers. It seems to me that by doing so (and doing so without radio collars) they are, in a sense, setting these magestic beasts up for failure. The tiger population in the wild is dwindling to a staggeringly small population. What was once a wide reaching and healthy species of our sentient beings is rapidly moving toward extinction. Without our help. Signing petitions is very important. Speaking up is vitally important as well. Even if you think that you, as a lone voice, can do no good, you are mistaken. Together we can be a large voice for those that may have had a tremendous growl wl but is now being reduced to a mere meow. Please add your voice and comments to join in a growing chorus of concerned people.
Since I am on the topic of tigers, I must bring up truckstop Tony. This majestic Siberian Tiger is doing life in prison at a gas station in Louisiana, despite it's being illegal (and not to mention, immoral). Please read the information below and add your name to the growing list of people who are horrified that this is allowed to go on. Imagine spending your whole life in a cage, with barely room to turn around, when once you were allowed to live your life as it was intended, free to roam and play and hunt. I may be a vegan but I have many friends who aren't. I'd like to think of Tony as one of those friends. Especially if we can obtain his freedom to a reputable sanctuary. Please help him and show real love for Valentine's Day. That of a love that has no boundaries and overcomes all percieved differences to embrace everyone for the individual that they are. Thank you and I know, you'll thank youself as well. Because showing love to others is showing love to yourself.
Petitioning Secretary Robert J.Barham
This petition will be delivered to:
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Secretary Robert J.Barham
Mr. Fred Kimmel
Ms. Maria Davidson
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
LDWF: Ensure Tony The Tiger Is Released To A Reputable Sanctuary
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Tony, a
Siberian-Bengal tiger, has lived his twelve years as a roadside
attraction at a truck stop in Louisiana. In two court hearings, May 6th,
2011 and November 2nd, 2011, Judge Caldwell agreed with The Animal
Legal Defense Fund (representing Tony) and their argument that the
permit that allows his owner to keep Tony was unlawfully issued by the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. On May 6th, 2011 Judge
Caldwell granted a permanent injunction blocking LDWF from issuing a new
permit to Tony’s owner, and on November 2, 2011 he again prohibited the
LDWF from issuing any new permits to the truck stop and ordered the
current permit revoked,
Despite these two rulings in Tony's favor, he remains at the truck stop due to appeals and yet another lawsuit filed by his owner, most recently on January 2nd, 2012. http://theadvocate.com/news/1713218-123/another-suit-filed-in-grosse.html
There have been recent reports about Tony's possible move to an exotic animal park if his owner is forced to give him up. This ”park” is under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs. http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html This, as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” (which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops) is of great concern to Tony's supporters. Tony belongs at a true sanctuary, not another “roadside zoo.”
Please sign this petition asking the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure that Tony is relocated to a reputable humane big cat sanctuary that can provide the home, care and life he needs - and has always deserved.
Despite these two rulings in Tony's favor, he remains at the truck stop due to appeals and yet another lawsuit filed by his owner, most recently on January 2nd, 2012. http://theadvocate.com/news/1713218-123/another-suit-filed-in-grosse.html
There have been recent reports about Tony's possible move to an exotic animal park if his owner is forced to give him up. This ”park” is under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs. http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html This, as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” (which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops) is of great concern to Tony's supporters. Tony belongs at a true sanctuary, not another “roadside zoo.”
Please sign this petition asking the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure that Tony is relocated to a reputable humane big cat sanctuary that can provide the home, care and life he needs - and has always deserved.
To:
Secretary Robert J.Barham, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Mr. Fred Kimmel
Ms. Maria Davidson
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Secretary Robert J.Barham, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Mr. Fred Kimmel
Ms. Maria Davidson
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
I respectfully request that you, as a representative of The Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, ensure that Tony, an 11 year-old
tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete,
Louisiana, is relocated to a reputable, humane, accredited big cat
sanctuary.
On November 2, 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Louisiana...
On November 2, 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Louisiana...
I respectfully request that you, as a representative of The Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, ensure that Tony, an 11 year-old
tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete,
Louisiana, is relocated to a reputable, humane, accredited big cat
sanctuary.
On November 2, 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Louisiana taxpayers in their lawsuit to free Tony from the truck stop. Judge Caldwell agreed with ALDF’s argument that the permit that allows Mr. Sandlin to keep Tony was unlawfully issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The judge ordered the Department to revoke the current permit and prohibited it from issuing any new permits to the Tiger Truck Stop. Despite this ruling Tony remains at the truck stop due to the appeals and recent lawsuit by his owner.
Reports about Tony's possible move to an “exotic animal park,” under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops are of great concern to myself and supporters of Tony worldwide.
References:
http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html
http://www.insideedition.com/news/7266/inside-edition-investigates-tigers-as-shopping-mall-attractions.aspx
Clearly this facility does not comply with the following sanctuary criteria as defined by The Captive Wildlife Safety Act:
• Must be a non-profit entity that is tax exempt under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Cannot engage in commercial trade in big cat species, including their offspring, parts, and products made from them
• Cannot breed big cats
• Cannot allow direct contact between big cats and the public at their facilities
• Must keep records of transactions involving covered cats
• Must allow the Service to inspect their facilities, records, and animals at reasonable hours
Reference: http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/CWSA_Factsheet.pdf
It is imperative Tony be released to a sanctuary that is humane, reputable and in compliance with the above stipulations. Accredited big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide Tony with a natural habitat, proper diet, medical care, and enrichment.
Tony represents one of an estimated 5,000 – 10,000 privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers are greater than tigers left in the wild. Captive tigers can live 15-20 years with quality care. Tony has spent over a decade on display in the unhealthy and unnatural environment of a truck stop.
Please ensure that Tony finally has the life, care and home he needs and deserves by releasing him to an accredited reputable humane big cat sanctuary and not another roadside zoo.
Sincerely,
On November 2, 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Louisiana taxpayers in their lawsuit to free Tony from the truck stop. Judge Caldwell agreed with ALDF’s argument that the permit that allows Mr. Sandlin to keep Tony was unlawfully issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The judge ordered the Department to revoke the current permit and prohibited it from issuing any new permits to the Tiger Truck Stop. Despite this ruling Tony remains at the truck stop due to the appeals and recent lawsuit by his owner.
Reports about Tony's possible move to an “exotic animal park,” under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops are of great concern to myself and supporters of Tony worldwide.
References:
http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html
http://www.insideedition.com/news/7266/inside-edition-investigates-tigers-as-shopping-mall-attractions.aspx
Clearly this facility does not comply with the following sanctuary criteria as defined by The Captive Wildlife Safety Act:
• Must be a non-profit entity that is tax exempt under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Cannot engage in commercial trade in big cat species, including their offspring, parts, and products made from them
• Cannot breed big cats
• Cannot allow direct contact between big cats and the public at their facilities
• Must keep records of transactions involving covered cats
• Must allow the Service to inspect their facilities, records, and animals at reasonable hours
Reference: http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/CWSA_Factsheet.pdf
It is imperative Tony be released to a sanctuary that is humane, reputable and in compliance with the above stipulations. Accredited big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide Tony with a natural habitat, proper diet, medical care, and enrichment.
Tony represents one of an estimated 5,000 – 10,000 privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers are greater than tigers left in the wild. Captive tigers can live 15-20 years with quality care. Tony has spent over a decade on display in the unhealthy and unnatural environment of a truck stop.
Please ensure that Tony finally has the life, care and home he needs and deserves by releasing him to an accredited reputable humane big cat sanctuary and not another roadside zoo.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your name]
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