Baton Rouge, LA: On January 23rd, a judge denied a motion by the owner of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, LA, Michael Sandlin, asking that Tony remain where he is while the appeals process ran its course. Sadly however, this did not result in Tony's release to sanctuary, as Sandlin has filed a separate lawsuit, alleging the Federal permit that had been issued superseded the one by the state, making Tony legally allowed to stay where he is. (Source.)
The original decision by the Judge Caldwell in connection with the lawsuit filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ADLF) had been that the permits issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to Sandlin to keep Tony at the truck stop were not legally issued, and Tony should be immediately released to sanctuary.
In between all of this legal wrangling was the issue of the sanctuary Sandlin had chosen for Tony, which is reportedly near one of the homes he owns. The G. W. Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, OK came under investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture because of the report that 23 tiger cubs had died while in the care of the park. Sandlin had insisted this was the only sanctuary he would approve for Tony's move. (Source.)
The ADLF as well as advocates from "Free Tony the Tiger" and compassionate and caring people from around the world have been watching this case, hoping that Tony would finally be released to sanctuary.
Tony's existence is in an enclosure at the truck stop, where he is subjected to the constant noise of the highway, truck fumes and tourists that are never-ending. Visitors reportedly taunt him, throw things at him and the feeling by the advocates is there is little peace for this magnificent Siberian-Bengal tiger.
The battles regarding Tony aren't just in the legal arena. Sandlin and his supporters have squared off against advocates, with Sandlin creating his own Facebook page called "Keep Tony Where He Is", which also references an associated page called "I Love Animals But Hate Animal Rights Activists".
This is in stark contrast to the website "Free Tony the Tiger" along with the Facebook pages "Free Tony The Tiger By Dee DeSantis, Tony's Story", "Roar for Tony the Tiger~ Legal Battle" and others.
A new petition is being circulated, asking the LDWF to make certain Tony is released to a reputable sanctuary, and not one with a track record of multiple deaths of animals in their care. Please consider adding your signature to this very important petition, which can be accessed here or at the link provided below.
The battle over Tony has been long and filled with troublesome details. Both sides believe they have the law on their side and are fighting hard to win. But it is Tony who suffers the most in all of this, since his release to sanctuary keeps getting delayed while he remains trapped at a tourist attraction with constant noise and diesel fumes.
Thankfully for Tony, the ADLF as well as Tony's caring supporters are not giving up and will continue the fight to finally see Tony released to an accredited and spacious sanctuary, where he can live out the rest of his life in peace.
Click here for the petition: "LDWF: Ensure Tony The Tiger Is Released To A Reputable Sanctuary".
Click here for the ADLF website details of Tony's case.
Click here for the "Free Tony the Tiger" website.
Click here for the prior December 10, 2011 story about Tony.
Click here for the November 3, 2011 story about Tony.
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