Free Tony - The Tiger

For the last 15 years the number one complaint that comes to Big Cat Rescue is the story of Tony, a tiger held hostage at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana.  Sometimes it is because the caller has unwittingly pulled into this run down gas station and been horrified at what they saw.  Sometimes it is because they were traveling down 1-10 and saw the sign that reads: "Live Tiger Exhibit" at the Tiger Truck Stop.  Sometimes it is because the caller has seen some mention of the place online.  In all cases, most people exclaim, "How can that be legal?"

Turns out it isn't.  Unfortunately, a lot of places allow this sort of disgraceful exhibit, but Iberville Parish, where the truck stop is located, has banned such displays since 1993.  So why is there a live tiger in a tiny cage next to the gas pumps in this 24 hour truck stop?  Because the Iberville Parish doesn't want to enforce their own rules against "one of their own."

http://www.bigcatrescue.org/FreeTony.htm

Dear Friends of Tony the Tiger,

We are still waiting and waiting to find out if Michael Sandlin was approved or denied for the state license that is required to keep Tony.

Please write Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Maria Davidson mdavidson@wlf.louisiana.gov and her supervisor Fred Kimmel fkimmel@wlf.la.gov ask them NOT to give Michael Sandlin a state license because an endangered Tiger needs and deserves to be cared for humanely. For twenty one year’s Tiger Truck Stop has caged Tigers in deplorable conditions there has got to be an end to this. Ask them to please think about what is best for Tony when making this decision. We all know “Big Cats” like Tigers do NOT belong in cages at truck stops.

Please read and sign a NEW petition that James Platt and Rose Ware have created for Tony. They are working diligently on helping get Tony released from the truck stop and now need your support. Please post the petition where ever you can to spread the word. We want the world to know how Tony is being made to suffer every minute of every day.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-tony-the-tiger

Thank you all for caring about Tony, if he only knew how hard we are fighting for his freedom so that he can spend the rest of his life in peace and can just be who he is (without being harassed) a TIGER.

P.S. Please find a couple of pictures attached from today (9-25-09). Tony is locked in his den AGAIN with no access to water…..

Your Friend

Sky Williamson

http://tigerworldnews.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/tony-the-tiger-update-9-25-09-and-pictures/

UPDATE Oct2 , 2009

One of Tonys videos is uploaded on CNN if you will please go & comment the video the more its viewed the more likely CNN will cover the story & we need the story to be aired.

comment & repost. thank you all

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-336237

NEW UPDATE Oct 11, 2009

Maria Davidson has been sending a form letter to everyone about Tony.

Here it is: The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries appreciates your interest in the well being of the Tiger, but now that the truck stop has a local permit we have begun the process for a state application. It is our Department policy not to comment on pending applications, but we will always consider the well being of the cat to be our top priority. Again, thank you for your concern, Maria Davidson

 Now, we know her boss's name, phone number, and email address:

 "My supervisor is Fred Kimmel. You are welcome to give him a call. His office number is 225-765-2355. "

 You can also email him at: fkimmel@wlf.la.gov So let's call him.

Remember to bring up important legal issues, such as:

is Tony microchipped?

the fence is NOT five feet from the cage

Yogi and Friends facility was written up by Davidson for not having 15' high fences. TigerTruckstop's fence is 8' high.

since they claim the well being of the cat is their top priority, are they planning on sending a wildife expert, such as a certified zookeeper, and a veterinarian, to look him over?

will they consider the exposed electrical wires as a chewing hazard?

 AND let us start asking sandlin's fuel supplier if they really want all of this bad publicity to be under their signs: CONOCO-PHILLIPS : 600 North Dairy Ashford (77079-1175) P.O. Box 2197 Houston, TX 77252-2197 Phone: 281-293-1000 http://www.conocophillips.com/EN/utilities/contact/pages/questions_company.aspx

Don't forget to keep writing to the mayor and the governor too:

Governor- Bobby Jindal: contact him here or: P.O. Box 94004 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 225-342-7015 or toll free: 1-866-366-1121 fax: 225-342-7099

Mayor: Michael Chauffe P.O. Box 98 18125 Willow St. Gross Tete, LA 70740 225-648-2131 mchauffe@gt.brcoxmail.com -

james platt http://savetonythetiger.blogspot.com

NEW UPDATE-

There is a new petition for Tony requesting the media investigate why there still has been no decision announced by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as to whether Tony’s owner has been denied or approved for a state license.

Please sign the petition, repost the link and ask your friends to sign it also.

We cannot give up the fight for Tony’s freedom.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/425/petition-to-request-news-update-on-tony-the-tiger