“How long should you try? Until.”

Tony December 17, 2011 (Photo Courtesy of & ©Cloversweed 2011)

November 2 2012: Nearly three months have passed since the last court hearing on August 6, 2012 without a decision.  Tony  is being kept at the truck stop without a permit, i.e. illegally. 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.

While we continue to wait, more importantly – so does Tony, and the best thing we can do is remain positive and supportive of him. Keeping Tony’s story networked so people know he is still at the truck stop is vital. While this is repetitive, please continue to share his petition, sign if you have not already, and share links for Tony on Facebook and Twitter. See below for more info.

December 24 2011: The recent articles about Tony and his possible move to an Oklahoma “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 money-making schemes such as exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops are of great concern to all of us.

This “facility” is also asking for donations to build Tony a habitat which demonstrates they are not prepared and not equipped to provide the proper home and care that Tony needs and deserves.

There are accredited reputable humane big cat sanctuaries that stand ready to give Tony the home, care, life and respect he deserves.

A sanctuary as defined in 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

Clearly this Oklahoma facility does not comply with these regulations. It is imperative we continue our advocacy on behalf of Tony for his release to a sanctuary that is humane, reputable and in compliance with the above stipulations.

ALDF is well-aware of the this “animal park.” Posted by Animal Legal Defense Fund on December 6th, 2011: “Our attorneys are researching various legal strategies for ensuring that Tony goes to a reputable sanctuary, not a roadside zoo.  http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1891

How You Can Help Tony

• Voice your concerns for Tony to The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for his release to a reputable, established, humane accredited big cat sanctuary that will meet all of his needs.
  

It’s very important that all correspondence for Tony be done in a respectable focused manner. While we are all very passionate and concerned about Tony, his health and welfare, please remember polite and focused letters have a better chance of being addressed and our concerns taken seriously. When you advocate for Tony, you are representing him – he deserves the utmost respect as do the individual(s) we are writing to.

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

Bo Boehringer
LDWF Press Secretary
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
2000 Quail Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 225- 765-5115

e-mail: bboehringer@wlf.la.gov

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: rbarham@wlf.la.gov

e-mail: sfalcon@wlf.la.gov

web e-mail form: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/contact

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

• New Change.org Petition For Tony  – January 16, 2012  

http://www.change.org/petitions/ldwf-ensure-tony-the-tiger-is-released-to-a-reputable-sanctuary

This petition asks the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure Tony is released to a reputable sanctuary.

• Care2 Petition For Tony CLOSED (53,614 Signatures)

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/129/272/008/ 

• Comment on these recent articles:

Possible new home for Truck Stop Tiger under investigation
http://www.nbc33tv.com/all-about-animals/possible-new-home-for-truck-stop-tiger-under-investigation

Oklahoma park probed in tiger cub deaths
http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html

• Please continue to share these posts from The Animal Legal Defense Fund on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter:

Victory For Tony!! http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1859

ALDF’s page for Tony: http://www.aldf.org/tony

What Is Best For Tony? http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1861

ALDF Article: Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases

Sincerest thanks to all of Tony’s friends for your concern, commitment and ongoing support of Tony. Together let’s continue to advocate for him and the home, life and care he deserves.

“Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Photos in this slideshow Courtesy of & ©Cloversweed 2011 Thank You for sharing your pictures of Tony all taken December17, 2011 with the exception of the one of Tony with his blue ball from May 2011. Direct link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.108864299212681.12944.100002673354863&type=3

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