On September 17, 2015 Representatives Walter Jones (R-NC) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) introduced the Big Cat Public Safety Act (H.R. 3546) in the US House. The bill, if enacted, will prohibit private ownership of big cats in the US and help to end the national big cats in captivity crisis.
International Tiger Day, or Global Tiger Day – created at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010 – is celebrated on July 29th. Its’ goal is to raise world awareness for wild tigers and support for their conservation. Tigers are magnificent majestic big cats who deserve our utmost respect, protection and advocacy. We ‘d like to contribute to this important day by posting links to visit to learn more about wild tigers, captive tigers, and of course to show our love and support for Tony ~ who has himself raised awareness to the plight of captive tigers in the U.S.
WILD TIGERS
Sadly there are only an estimated 3,200 of Tony’s “cousins” remaining in the wild, a decline of 97% since the turn of the century.
Six sub-species remain: Amur, Bengal, Sumatran, Indo-Chinese, Malayan, South China (functionally extinct – has not been sighted in the wild for more than 25 years); three are extinct: Bali, Caspian and Javan.
Poaching, human-tiger conflict, loss of habitat and prey are the main threats to tigers.
Tony is one of the estimated 5,000 or more privately owned tigers in the United States and his plight has definitely raised awareness to this serious issue. Captive U.S. tigers are used in roadside zoos and attractions, photo ops and exhibitions, entertainment shows and circuses, pseudo-sanctuaries, bred for profit or are owned as “pets.” From IFAW: “Private possession of big cats is a legal patchwork: 30 states ban private possession, 14 states allow possession with a permit, and 6 states have absolutely no restrictions on private possession at all. All states but for Kentucky, Ohio, and Washington exempt USDA licensees.”
TAKE ACTION! Protect Tigers: Keep Them Out of American Backyards!
“Shockingly, there are about 5,000 captive tigers in the US—many more than in the wild. Almost all of the captive tigers are owned privately as pets—not by zoos or accredited institutions. Because there isn’t a system to keep track of the tigers, both the American public and the tigers are at risk.”
One of the most important ways we can help tigers like Tony and other captive big cats in the United States is to support The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This bill would prohibit the private possession and breeding of captive big cats in the United States except at highly-qualified facilities like accredited zoos where they can be properly cared for and safely managed. It would only allow breeding at accredited zoos, along with some research or educational institutions.
When the Big Cat and Public Safety Protection Act is reintroduced, actions to take will be posted, but in the meantime you can learn more about this legislation here: http://bigcatrescue.org/big-cat-act/
TONY
We truly appreciate everyone’s dedication to Tony and support of his release to a reputable big cat sanctuary. Tony has become the “poster tiger” for captive U.S. tigers and has raised awareness to this serious issue globally through social media.
For those of Tony’s friends who may be new to his story, we ask you to reference these articles from Tony’s legal reps The Animal Legal Defense Fund to learn more about the legal battle to “Free Tony The Tiger”:
Special Thanks to Animal Legal Defense Fund for their extraordinary representation of Tony and dedication to him. Please visit their site to learn more about them and their tremendous work to help animals through the legal system and support their Animal Bill of Rights.
Tony’s change.org petition asking the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enforce the law remains open and has over 51,000 signatures:
IFAW Gains Senate Support for the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Washington, DC
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) today introduced (S.1381) the Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. Initiated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and supported by a coalition of animal welfare groups, the bill aims at banning private possession and breeding of tigers, lions, and other captive big cats in the United States. The House version of the bill (H.R. 1998) was introduced earlier this year by U.S. Representatives Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA).
Current state laws addressing keeping big cats as pets widely fluctuate, with some states banning the practice while exempting a host of USDA exhibitors, and others with partial to no restrictions at all. The bill would establish a single, nationwide policy against the captive big cat pet and roadside zoo trade, while requiring current owners to register their big cats.
“The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act is a common-sense solution to a situation that has spiraled out of control,” Senator Blumenthal said. “Thousands of dangerous big cats are kept in deplorable conditions as backyard pets and in roadside zoos across the nation. This bill would alleviate the threat these animals pose to the general public.”
Congress first introduced the bill in light of the tragedy in Zanesville, Ohio and many others preceding it. In Zanesville, an exotic animal owner released 38 big cats and 18 other dangerous animals and then took his own life. To protect the surrounding community, first responders, who were neither trained nor properly equipped to handle a situation of that magnitude, were forced to shoot and kill nearly all of the animals.
IFAW Campaigns Officer Tracy Coppola notes, “Apart from the serious animal welfare aspects of this issue, we must not forget that it poses a massive burden on the first responders who often find themselves at the forefront of dealing with the dangers that captive big cats pose when kept in private hands across America.”
IFAW’s big cats database (www.ifaw.org/bigcatadvocates) shows that since 1997, incidents involving these captive animals have resulted in 22 human deaths, including five children. Meanwhile, over 200 people have been mauled or injured and scores of big cats have been killed
In addition to the human and animal fatalities, private ownership and breeding of big cats also undermines wildlife conservation because it can contribute to illegal international wildlife trade. There is currently no way to know how many U.S.-born big cats are disposed of or when their parts are illegally sold into the black market.
The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act now heads to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. IFAW is calling on citizens, including all first responders, to urge their Senators to co-sponsor the bill today.
About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats.
Tigers are magnificent majestic big cats who deserve our utmost respect, protection and advocacy. On Global Tiger Day we hope to raise awareness for tigers, both wild and captive and support efforts to help both.
WILD TIGERS
Sadly there are only an estimated 3,200 of Tony’s “cousins” remaining in the wild, a decline of 97% since the turn of the century.
Six sub-species remain: Amur, Bengal, Sumatran, Indo-Chinese, Malayan, South China (functionally extinct – has not been sighted in the wild for more than 25 years); Three are extinct: Bali, Caspian and Javan.
Poaching, human-tiger conflict, loss of habitat and prey are the main threats to tigers. Learn more about wild tigers and how we can help support efforts to save them:
Tony is just one of the estimated 5,000 or more privately owned tigers in the United States and his plight has definitely raised awareness to this serious issue. Captive U.S. tigers are used in roadside zoos and attractions, photo ops and exhibitions, entertainment shows and circuses, pseudo-sanctuaries, bred for profit or are owned as “pets.” From IFAW: “Private possession of big cats is a legal patchwork: 30 states ban private possession, 14 states allow possession with a permit, and 6 states have absolutely no restrictions on private possession at all.” ( http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/big-cat-advocates-map )
HR 1998 ~ THE BIG CATS AND PUBLIC SAFETY PROTECTION ACT
One of the most important ways we can help tigers like Tony and other captive big cats in the United States is to support HR 1998 ~ The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This bill would prohibit the private possession and breeding of captive big cats in the United States except at highly-qualified facilities like accredited zoos where they can be properly cared for and safely managed. It would only allow breeding at accredited zoos, along with some research or educational institutions.
Everyone’s dedication to Tony is truly appreciated and we ask for your continued support. One of the best ways we can help Tony is to stay positive and focused on Tony’s release to a reputable big cat sanctuary and keep networking for him.
On May 16th, 2012, U.S. Reps. Buck McKeon and Loretta Sanchez introduced the 2013 Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act (HR 1998), which would prohibit the private possession and breeding of captive big cats in the United States except at highly-qualified facilities like accredited zoos where they can be properly cared for and safely managed.
Please ask your Congress Member to co-sponsor this bill.
As we still await word on the August 6, 2012 hearing, let’s continue to keep Tony’s story active by supporting his change.org petition. We’re only 100 signatures away from 18,000– a true indication of the concern and love people have worldwide for Tony.
Petitions are an effective platform to gain support and let the public know, despite two rulings in Tony’s favor, he remains at the truck stop. Read more about Tony’s case from The Animal Legal Defense Fund: Making Sense of the Current Status of the Tony the Tiger Cases
Thanks again to ALL of Tony’s friends for your support and dedication to him.
Please also take a moment to help big cats in the United States by asking your Congress Member to support H.R.4122 – The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This bill would prohibit private possession of big cats except at highly-qualified facilities like accredited zoos where they can be properly cared for and safely managed.
Take Action At These Links:
Enter your zip code at Big Cat Rescue – Tampa FL’s Action Alert for a fast easy way to voice your support of this bill and ask your congressperson to co-sponsor it:
Re-posting this article that mentions Tony. For the article concerning Mr. DiCaprio’s support for Tony see: http://aldf.org/article.php?id=1695
Published: Aug. 27, 2012 at 5:24 PM
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27 (UPI) — Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy and Tobey Maguire are working to produce an animal-trafficking film like the U.S. crime drama “Traffic,” a trade daily reported.
The unnamed Warner Bros. Pictures film would look at animal trafficking from a number of perspectives, similar to 2000’s “Traffic,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Stephen Gaghan, The Hollywood Reporter said.
“Traffic,” adapted from the British TV series “Traffik,” explores the illegal-drug trade from the perspective of a user, an enforcer, a politician and a trafficker, with their stories edited together.
In this case, the story would look at trafficking from different angles including those of the ground war on poachers in the African savannah and how animal material ends up in Paris fashion houses, the newspaper said.
The trio are looking for a screenplay writer, the Reporter said.
English actor Hardy — who played arch-villain Bane in Christopher Nolan‘s recent Batman film “The Dark Knight Rises” — came up with the new film’s idea, the Reporter said.
He was inspired by friends who are former Special Forces operatives and later became anti-poacher fighters in South Africa and other countries, the newspaper said.
Maguire — best known for his role as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man in Sam Raimi‘s “Spider-Man” film trilogy — has been good friends with DiCaprio since their early-career days, when they found themselves auditioning for roles opposite each other.
The pair made an informal pact to help each other get parts in their movies, TV shows and other projects.
They both star in the 3D romantic drama “The Great Gatsby,” to be released next year.
DiCaprio is longtime animal-rights activist. He donated $1 million to New York’s Wildlife Conservation Society in 2010 and joined a so-far-unsuccessful campaign by California’s Animal Legal Defense Fundto free a tiger named Tony, who has spent a decade in a roadside cage at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, La.
DiCaprio became the spokesman last year for a campaign organized by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to protect elephants.
Here’s a report from Gina Miller, IFAW’s legal policy analyst, about a captive tiger in Louisiana:
Laws that govern the private ownership of big cats vary widely from one state to another but they do have one thing in common—they’re not enough to protect big cats in private hands. Some 10,000 to 20,000 big cats are kept captive by private owners in the U.S., and they aren’t in zoos but in backyards, basements, garages, sheds and even truck stops.
Yes, you read that correctly: It is legal to keep a tiger at a truck stop.
Tony, a 10 year old Siberian-Bengal tiger, has been kept every single day of his life at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana. Living at a truck stop is no life for a tiger; Tony is subjected to noise and diesel fumes from trucks and kept in a concrete cage with no adequate enrichment or escape from the elements, resulting in constant stress. Ten years of living at Tiger Truck Stop have taken a toll on Tony’s health, according to experts.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham granted a permit allowing for Tony the tiger to be exhibited at the truck stop in Louisiana. After the state permit was issued, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a lawsuit arguing that LDWF violated state legislation prohibiting persons from keeping a tiger as a pet or exhibiting a tiger within the state, but those that owned big cats legally before this law was passed were able to keep their animals.
Here’s the issue: Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, didn’t legally own him because his town’s ordinance made it illegal to keep a tiger on his premises.
The good news is that Tony’s permit expired in December of 2011 and hasn’t been renewed. The bad news is Tony is still being kept at the truck stop in violation of Louisiana law because the judge ruled that the Department has discretion whether or not to enforce Louisiana’s law on big cats. This “discretion” is allowing Tony the tiger to languish at a truck stop.
But Tony will have another day in court. Tony’s owner sued the State of Louisiana claiming that the law against private ownership of big cats was unconstitutional. Advocates for Tony’s health and safety will have the chance to support Louisiana’s authority to protect the public and the welfare of animals like Tony.
Visit tinyurl.com/helptonytigerfor ways you can advocate for Tony. Updates will be posted when they are made available.
We can make a difference by taking action for animals in need. Please participate in these actions and share the links with friends, family and on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. Thanks again for your support of Tony and for all animals who deserve our respect, protection and advocacy for their welfare.
Nikita the Tiger and Tasha the Cougar are two lucky cats who will soon have a home at The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone MN. TWS was asked on their Facebook page to “save room for Tony” TWS replied: “Tony will always be welcome at Wildcat Sanctuary!”
Thank You TWS for again offering a home for Tony and for providing exemplary care and homes for your cats.
WildCat Haven Sanctuary has another “LIKE” Match! A generous donor, Richard Harris has offered them $1 for each new “LIKE” their Facebook page receives by April 1, 2012. WCH hoped to reach a goal of 5,000 members and have surpassed that number! Please visit WCH’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wildcathaven and click “LIKE” at the top and share their page. It’s such an easy way to help the cats at WCH.
Ask Your Congress Member to Support H.R.4122 – The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act
Please ask your Congress Member to support H.R.4122 – The Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act. This bill would prohibit private possession of big cats except at highly-qualified facilities like accredited zoos where they can be properly cared for and safely managed.
Enter your zip code at Big Cat Rescue – Tampa FL’s Action Alert for a fast easy way to voice your support of this bill and ask your congressperson to co-sponsor it:
More Petitions and Actions for Animals Who Need Our Help!
Lucy The Elephant
Lucy is a beautiful 35 year old Asian elephant who lives alone at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee has agreed to take Lucy as has PAWS Ark 2000 Sanctuary in California but their offers have been turned down by the city of Edmonton. These sanctuaries would provide the habitat and climate Lucy needs as well as elephant companionship which is so vital to these wonderful animals.
Please sign Lucy’s new petition and share the link:
Visit: http://ny-class.org/ to sign another petition calling for the end to carriage horses in New York City and to also co-sign Angelica Huston’s letter to Christine C. Quinn, Speaker of the New York City Council.
Help Circus Animals! Support H.R. 3359 The Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act!
Ringling Bros. Circus Tiger - E. Rutherford NJ 3.17.2012
The abuse, confinement, exploitation and cruelty animals are subjected to in circuses and traveling shows are horrific and heartbreaking. For the few minutes the public is “entertained” by them performing ridiculous unnatural stunts, these animals suffer a lifetime of misery. On November 2, 2011, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) along with Jan Creamer (Animal Defenders International,) Ed Stewart (Performing Animal Welfare Society -PAWS) Dr. Mel Richardson, DVM, Bob Barker, and Jorja Fox, introduced H.R. 3359 – The Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act. If passed, this federal bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and non-domesticated animals in circuses and traveling shows.
It is crucial that we support this bill. Please contact your congress member and tell them as their constituent you support H.R. 3359 – The Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act and ask them to co-sponsor this bill. It takes only a few minutes to call, write, e-mail or fax your representative for animals that endure inhumane conditions and abuse.
Contact information for your representative can be found by entering your zip code at this link:
For more information about H.R. 3359 / TEAPA visit Break The Chain “the campaign to bring an end to circus animal suffering in the USA, led by Animal Defenders International.” Break The Chain has updates about the campaign, resources, and more ways to take action.
Using animals in circuses and traveling shows is not only cruel and inhumane, but it is a threat public safety – this archaic and cruel practice must end – with support of H.R. 3359 we can make that happen.
From ADI & PAWS:
National measures to prohibit the use of wild animals, or selected species, have been adopted in: Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Malta, Slovakia, Sweden, Portugal, Taiwan, Singapore, Bolivia, Costa Rica, India and Israel. Similar laws are being discussed in: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Norway, and Peru. Due to public concerns, local town and city bans are in place in the US, UK, Brazil and many other countries.
Free Tony The Tiger 