Tiger caged at La. truck stop can stay a while longer, but then that cat's got to go, judge rules

By: Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

tigertruckstop.com

(CBS/AP) BATON ROUGE, La. - A live 10-year-old tiger caged at a Louisiana truck stop can stay there until the owner's current permit expires, but then the controversial cat needs to be relocated, a judge has ruled.

An injunction issued Friday by State District Judge R. Michael Caldwell bars Louisiana wildlife officials from renewing the permit to keep the animal on the premises of the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, west of Baton Rouge. The current permit expires in December.

Animal Legal Defense Fund attorney Matthew Liebman said the judge refused to revoke the current permit, which means the truck stop is allowed to keep the tiger until Dec. 14.

The permit was originally issued in 2009, and reissued last year, to Michael Sandlin. Sandlin and some animal advocacy groups have been at odds for years over his keeping of exotic cats at the truck stop. He currently keeps one adult tiger, 10-year-old Tony (what else?), in a large caged area just off a parking area at the facility. He also touts the tiger exhibit on his website as a tourist draw, along with a Cajun restaurant, video poker and tire service for truckers.

Liebman said the Animal Legal Defense Fund will work with the state to find a new home for the tiger at an animal sanctuary.

More on Crimesider

April 14, 2011 - Live tiger doesn't belong at truck stop, says La. lawsuit

7 Comments +

Add a Comment


by treyepeatross May 10, 2011 9:01 PM EDT: I am from grosse tete and personally I think that all of those animal activists need to go bother someone who really deserves it. That truck stop and that tiger as well as the ones before it are part of some people lives and heritage like my family. Leave well enough alone. I personally bottle fed that tiger and to think that some ******** judge rules in favor of the big city people utterly irritates me. You city people will never understand something so simplistic because as long as money rules you will all be happy. God willing when judgment is passed on something you feel as strong about maybe AND JUST MAYBE YOU WILL FEEL SORRY! LONG LIVE TIGER TRUCK STOP; Reply to this comment


by LaurenLucky101 May 9, 2011 4:07 PM EDT: Have been following this story for over a year and am very happy with the ruling. Tony never belonged at such a place and am happy to see justice finally prevailed!; Reply to this comment

by savetony May 9, 2011 3:37 PM EDT

I would not grow a plant at that truck stop. Tony as observed

Reply to this comment


by savetony May 9, 2011 3:42 PM EDT: by vets is ill and needs medical attention fast not a drive by exam.


by FreeTonyTheTiger May 9, 2011 2:54 PM EDT: Tony was never legally owned per a 1993 Iberville Parish ordinance prohibiting private ownership and exhibition of exotic animals such a as tigers - therefore he should have never been grandfathered in under the 2006 state law. The owner has bought, sold, bred and exhibited tigers for over 20 years. In 2003, because of violations of the Animal Welfare Act and fines, 3 tigers were taken from the truck stop by the USDA and relocated to a sanctuary; Tony was left behind. The unhealthy and unnatural environment of a truck stop is definitely not a suitable habitat for a tiger or any animal. Accredited big cat sanctuaries can provide Tony with a natural habitat, medical care, proper diet, enrichment, and the peace and respect he deserves. Tony's supporters greatly appreciate the persistent efforts of The Animal Legal Defense Fund, Former State Representative Warren Triche, the Louisiana residents who voiced their concern for Tony, Big Cat Rescue of Tampa Florida, and people all over the world who never gave up the fight for Tony's relocation to a proper home.; Reply to this comment


by catwoman1952 May 9, 2011 12:38 PM EDT: Tiger permit should have never been issued in the first place. And there are plenty of true refuges for these animals. Void-Master why are you so negative...........; Reply to this comment


by Void-Master May 9, 2011 10:09 AM EDT: Was the tiger being abused at the truck stop? I don't get it. It's not like the cat could be returned to the wild. So all that has been accomplished here is Tony gets a new cage.; Reply to this comment