Tigers In Captivity, Tigers used For Entertainment and Tigers Bred to be Killed!

Free the Tigers at Houston's Downtown Aquarium.

Houston's Downtown Aquarium has been the home to four white Bengal tigers since 2005. These tigers are held indoors at all times in a small, stressful, and inhumane environment.

The aquarium is one of several of the "Downtown Aquarium" branded restaurants owned by Landry's, Inc. An aquarium-themed restaurant is not an acceptable habitat for tigers to live. The tigers at Houston's aquarium are denied everything that is natural to them, and are not even allowed outside.

We're petitioning Landry's, Inc. to transfer the tigers at this facility to either a large cat sanctuary in the United States, or a nearby zoo more appropriate for caring for these types of animals. We're also asking the Association for Zoos and Aquariums to reevaluate the facility's accreditation.

We need your support to help these tigers. Please take just a moment to sign this petition. Thank you. Click here to help out!

LETTER TO

Landry's, Inc.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

CityPASS

The white tiger exhibit at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is inhumane. We insist that Landry's immediately transfer the tigers to a more capable zoological facility or a wildcat sanctuary. We also urge the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to reevaluate the accreditation of the Downtown Aquarium property, and for CityPASS to drop their partnership with the attraction.

Remove endangered tiger cub "Crystal" from Tigre de Cristal entertainment immediately!

We've got 58,917 supporters, help us get to 60,000

TARGET: Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment

Update #1 9 days ago

Thank you for helping us reach nearly 50,000 signatures (and counting)!

There is still a BIG chance that we can keep her out of casino events if we continue to send the message to the casino that this will not be tolerated.

Please consider sending a message directly to the casino through email or social media:

E: office@fgce.ru

F: facebook.com/tigredecristal

T: @TigreDeCristal

Let's keep the pressure on. We'll make this happen!

About This Petition

A 5-month old endangered Siberian tiger cub was recently purchased and transported 5,000 miles for no other reason than providing entertainment to gamblers at a casino in Russia.

On opening night, the cub named "Crystal" was sedated and paraded around the busy casino. For the rest of her days, she will live at a nearby zoo while being "on call" for events at the casino.

This is outrageous and unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Please sign and share to give her a better life!

Sedated tigress causes shock at glitzy grand opening of major new Russian casino. Tigre de Cristal under fire for 'abusing' rare big cat to promote gambling revolution.

The new casino complex is a major development in boosting the economy of the Russian Far East - as highlighted in our earlier reports. Vice governor of Primorsky region Sergey Nekhaev called it a 'unique resort' in proximity to Vladivostok, and the hope is it will tap into the Asian gambling market, with more casino complexes due to open in this new zone.

But local media attention this week was on the wild animal mascot paraded while being under sedation at a ceremony that followed last month's 'soft' opening. The parading of endangered female Siberian tiger cub - named Crystal - has provoked a storm of protest.

Vice governor of Primorsky region Sergey Nekhaev called it a 'unique resort' in proximity to Vladivostok, and the hope is it will tap into the Asian gambling market. Pictures: Alexandra Konkova, Alexander Khitrov

One claim was that the drugged five-month old predator, her eyes drooping as she was paraded in front of revellers, was 'tortured'. Another accused organisers of 'mocking' animals. One complained: 'What a shame - all in pursuit of cheap glamour. This poor kitten! When we will have organisations that sort out the issues such as animal abuse.'

Vostokmedia concluded the casino management had miscued because people in Primorsky region are devoted to protecting the Siberian - or Amur - tiger species, with only 500 or so creatures alive in the wild. 'It is unlikely that locals understand when a live tiger cub was carried and put under the limelight with loud music to the delight of the crowd,' said the media outlet. 'The result that the casino will receive a reputational loss rather than pluses.'

There was a hostile response on online community 'We are from Vladivostok', with Irina Butkovskaya saying it was 'very frustrating' that the casino 'began with a crime - animal abuse.'

Zoo director Ekaterina Zotova: 'For us, this animal is very valuable, and we would not let do anything bad to her.' Picture: Alexander Khitrov, Ekaterina Zotova

A casino source told PrimaMedia: 'For security purposes, so Crystal would not bite anybody, she was given a sedative. The tigress still is small, so it was impossible to do an injection. The vet came and gave her liquid medicine in a bottle. She slept all the time.'

The head of the Laboratory Centre for Animal Disease, Irina Korotkova, confirmed: 'The animal was artificially sent to sleep with medication. In such cases its eyes are not closed. These drugs have a sedative effect, some have even analgesic effect, but this state is similar to sleep. The eyes are not closed.'

The tiger was bought for 450,000 roubles - some $6,800 - and then transported 7,800 kilometres from Ufa Zoo to Vladivostok.

Sergei Aramilev, of the Amur Tiger Centre, demanded to know what sedative the tiger was given.'There are cases when pet owners give a sleeping pills to the animals. We need to understand exactly in each case, to learn from veterinarians, what was the medicine and what might be the consequences, is it harmful to the animal, is it addictive. In terms of moral and ethical aspects, it is not good.'

The animal is being housed at a private zoo near Ussuriysk, but will be on call for other zoo events.

'It is unlikely that locals understand when a live tiger cub was carried and put under the limelight with loud music to the delight of the crowd.' Picture: Alexander Khitrov, Alexandra Konkova, VL.ru

Zoo director Ekaterina Zotova explained: 'Before the show we gave her a sedative. Any vet gives such medication to cat or dog during the transportation. They are absolutely harmless and necessary to the animal, for example, to prevent sickness or aggression from the loud music. Predators have different reactions on such things. What's more, we know that Crystal arrived in Primorye only three days ago. After sedation, the tigress dropped her lower eyelids. It lasted for only 10-15 minutes.'

She denied any cruelty in parading the tigress at the casino grand opening. 'For us, this animal is very valuable, and we would not let do anything bad to her,' she said. 'She was in the casino just for an hour and we immediately brought her back. She is in her enclosure now, meowing, and playing since the early morning. She has a good appetite.'

Police are investigating the medication given to the tigress to induce drowsiness after local media highlighted how the wild animal mascot was paraded while being under sedation at a ceremony that followed last month's 'soft' opening. There has been a storm of protest over the casino's use of a cosatose Siberian tiger cub - named Crystal.

Support Ban on Exploiting Animals for Entertainment.

Target: Scott Enright, Chairperson for Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture

Click Here To Help out!

Goal: Praise Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture for unanimously voting to end the import of wild animals for public entertainment.

It seems that Hawaii will become the first state to ban the use of wild animals for public entertainment. Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture met to discuss the exact definition of a “dangerous wild animal” and whether or not to ban the import of “dangerous wild animals for the exhibition or performance in public entertainment shows such as circuses, carnivals and state fairs.” The board named big cats, primates, elephants, rhinoceros, bears, hyenas, crocodiles and hippopotamus as “dangerous wild animals” and unanimously voted for the ban.

Now this proposition will move to statewide hearings and must get approved by the Attorney General’s office and Governor David Ige. Despite the many future steps this proposition must take, things are looking very positive. Hawaii has a chance to lead the way for the rest of the United States. Inga Gibson, Hawaii’s senior states director for the Humane Society, said they’re “hoping…that Hawaii will set an example for other states to take the next step.”

Sign this letter and tell Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture that you fully support their decision on the ban and will continue to support their decision throughout the process.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Enright,

Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture met to discuss exactly what is considered a “dangerous wild animal” and whether or not to ban the import of “dangerous wild animals for the exhibition or performance in public entertainment shows such as circuses, carnivals and state fairs.” The board named big cats, primates, elephants, rhinoceros, bears, hyenas, crocodiles and hippopotamus as “dangerous wild animals” and unanimously voted for the ban.

This was great news to hear. Although the proposition still has some steps that need to be taken before it becomes a law, it is very encouraging. Hawaii has a chance to lead the way for the rest of the United States when it comes to helping animals used for entertainment.

I just wanted to thank you and the rest of Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture for all your hard work and effort toward helping animals used for entertainment. It is very encouraging to hear about such great news when it comes to animal rights, not to mention that it was also an unanimous vote.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Sergey Petrov

Tell Boxer to Bring Tiger to Sanctuary

Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas for a fight described by Sugar Ray Leonard as 'about history'

Target: Floyd Mayweather, Professional Boxer

Click Here to help out!

Goal: Tell Floyd Mayweather that tigers should not be kept as pets and to bring his tiger to a sanctuary.

Undefeated boxing world champion, Floyd Mayweather, recently uploaded a picture to his Instagram of his new pet tiger. In the photo, one can see him sitting down while holding the leashed tiger. Mr. Mayweather was given the tiger as a pet and according to his post, he plans on keeping her.

Not only is keeping a tiger captive incredibly cruel, but Mr. Mayweather also has a long history of domestic violence. Animal companions require kindness and patience which seems to be virtues Mr. Mayweather is lacking.

Tigers in the wild can travel many miles in a day, which Mr. Mayweather’s tiger will be unable to do due to her confinements. Tigers are also nocturnal animals which makes it even more difficult to keep them in one’s house. There is also the obvious problem of living in a backyard rather than their natural environment, which is lush and large.

Sign this petition and tell Mr. Mayweather to bring his pet tiger to a sanctuary. A house is no place for a tiger. She deserves to roam free among other tigers where she will truly be happy.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Mayweather,

Recently, you have received a tiger as a gift and you plan on keeping her. It is inherently cruel to keep a wild animal as a household pet.

Tigers in the wild can travel miles in just one day, which would be impossible for a tiger kept in a house. In addition, a human’s home and their backyard is nothing like the natural environment tigers thrive in. Their natural environments are lush, large and full of other animals.

Animal companions need a lot of kindness and patience when they are being trained, and a wild animal will require even more attention. Tigers are nocturnal animals, which is another reason for why they are not proper animal companions for humans.

Please consider bringing the tiger you received as a pet to an accredited sanctuary. At a sanctuary, she will be surrounded by tiger friends, live in an environment suitable for her needs and be happy and healthy. Please take the tiger’s needs, health, and feelings into consideration. A human’s home is no place for a tiger.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Kevin Mitchell

Stop Tiger Farming in China

Tiger bone wine, made by marinating bones in rice alcohol; tiger-skin rugs; authentic stuffed animals; dinner parties where people watch a tiger get killed and butchered. These are just some of the ways the “luxury” tiger parts industry has made a comeback in China. And it is all thanks to the many tiger farms that have cropped up in the country.

Under global pressure, China banned the trade of tiger bone in 1993. But the very same year, the first domesticated tiger farm was established, and there are now 200 government-supported farms, with 5,000 to 6,000 tigers on them — compared with only 3,000 tigers left in the wild.

The government insists these farms are just tourist spots, where people can watch shows and pet cubs, but international probes have uncovered that China’s State Forestry Administration quietly supports the country’s tiger bone wine industry.

The Chinese government is currently reviewing the wildlife law that allows for tiger farms, so we must put international pressure on them to ban these farms now. If they don’t, the wild tiger may not survive another generation.

Despite the government’s claims, captive tigers do not help wild populations. All the tiger farming industry has served to do is rekindle China’s taste for tiger parts, which has made wild tiger poaching more lucrative because it is cheaper to kill wild tigers and smuggle parts across borders than to raise captive-bred ones, and wild cats are often preferred by consumers.

Right now, wild tigers are dying in record numbers, due mainly to poaching to satisfy demand from China. If we do not do everything in our power to end poaching, wild tigers may be extinct as soon as 2022, in just seven years. Ironically, that is also the next Chinese calendar year of the tiger.

Please join me in calling on the government of the People’s Republic of China to do what’s right, amend its wildlife law, and ban tiger farms altogether.

Click Here To Help Out!

Urge Santa's Enchanted Forest to drop animal shows!

Please sign to tell Santa's Enchanted Forest owner Brian Shechtman that we want to see animal-free entertainment! Santa's Enchanted Forest is a popular Miami holiday attraction featuring light displays, carnival type rides and food.

Unfortunately they also have a tiger show, sea lion show and a monkey who was spotted picking up garbage from the ground. They have a team of ponies bound to a metal spinning apparatus and forced to walk in circles for hours on end to create a live carousel.

These animals do not belong at a carnival, traveling long distances from shows or being displayed to the public.

The public demand for cruelty-free entertainment has grown significantly in recent years. SeaWorld is struggling to stay afloat among concerns about the morality of keeping orcas in captivity and Ringling Brothers is retiring it's elephants due to customer demand. Tigers, sea lions, alligators and other wild animals suffer from the stress of traveling in small cages/containers, being publicly displayed and the loud noises in carnival environments.

We feel it's time for Santa's Enchanted Forest to evolve as well and drop ALL shows and attractions that use live animals. Please sign the petition and also write a negative review on Facebook or Yelp about Santa's Enchanted Forest abuse of animals.

LETTER TO

Brian Shechtman

Santa's Enchanted Forest

Urge Santa's Enchanted Forest to end it's use of exotic animals!

Rescue Tiger Caged at Truck Stop.

Target: Chad J. Courville, At-Large Appointee, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission

Click Here To Help Out

Goal: Move tiger trapped at a roadside truck stop to a reputable sanctuary.

Tony, a Siberian tiger, has been stuck at a roadside truck stop for the last 13 years. He has been forced to listen to the buzz of the highway, inhale the smell of diesel fuel and endure the gawking and taunting of the truckers passing through. Activists have been fighting for Tony for some time now, however Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has been fighting the whole way through to keep him. Sandlin states that these activists are “nuts that think they know more about tigers than I do–I can’t stand it.”

Sandlin has a long, controversial history with animals. Years ago, Sandlin apparently had a few tigers that he would breed and then dispose of. Reportedly, he also has been cited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for not providing clean water, proper veterinary care or proper shelter for his animals. It appears that Sandlin is not a responsible owner.

It is time that Tony is moved to a reputable sanctuary where he can live the rest of his years happily and healthy among friends. Sign this petition and demand Louisiana’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries take Tony away from his current living conditions and owner.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Courville,

A Siberian tiger that goes by the name of Tony has been trapped at a roadside truck stop for the last 13 years. He has been forced to listen to the buzz of the highway, inhale the intense fumes of diesel fuel, and endure the gawking and taunting of the people passing through. This is not a healthy environment for a tiger, physically or mentally.

It appears that Tony is just a money maker. Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, apparently has a long, controversial history with animals. He reportedly used to have quite a few tigers that he would breed and sell to bidders. He also declawed them. Reportedly, he has been cited by the USDA for not providing clean water, proper shelter or proper veterinary care.

Sandlin has been fighting very hard to keep Tony since he is a huge selling point. However, no animal should have to endure this cruel life. It is time Tony is moved to a reputable sanctuary where he can spend the rest of his days happy, healthy, and among friends. Please be a hero to Tony and take action to help him today.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Big Cat Rescue

.@BobbyJindal Yo Gov! Why'd u sign a bill EXEMPTING someone from a state law that BANS Private Ownership of Big Cats?

PETA spearheaded this campaign for many years. We filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state and parish officials, posted action alerts and wrote countless letters in an effort to get the tigers "retired" (there used to be multiple tigers in two different locations). We wrote to Michael Sandlin, the owner of the truck stop, multiple times offering to help pay the costs of moving the tigers to a legitimate sanctuary.

After years of complaints, in July 2002, the USDA charged Michael Sandlin with violating the Animal Welfare Act, including keeping the tigers in unsound facilities, lack of a veterinary care program and improper nutrition. Sandlin paid a $1,000 fine and was ordered not to possess or exhibit more than two exotic cats. As a result, Sandlin moved three of his four tigers to a facility in Tennessee, leaving one—Tony—still on display.

Fast forward to 2009. Despite aggressive campaigning over the legality of keeping a wild animal in the parish, local officials voted to allow Sandlin to keep Tony at the truck stop, which opened the door for Sandlin to qualify for a state permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The department granted him one and the campaign continued.

In May 2011, a Louisiana district granted the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (ALDF) request for a permanent injunction against the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, preventing the department from renewing Sandlin’s annual permit. The ruling was later upheld under appeal when the court ruled that the permit was illegally issued in the first place. Sandlin will no longer be able to keep Tony confined at the truck stop where he has languished for over a decade. Sandlin appealed the case yet again.

In October 2013, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied Sandlin’s petition to review the Court of Appeals decision that barred him from keeping a tiger. But … Sandlin is challenging a 2006 law giving the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries jurisdiction over big and exotic cats.

In April 2014, Louisiana State Sen. Rick Ward introduced Senate Bill 250 to exempt people who hold a USDA Class C exhibitor's license, in other words, Michael Sandlin.

At that time, the bill was voted down. http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/tony_the_truck_stop_tiger_bato.html

As the case continued to wind its way through the system, we sent an urgent appeal to our Louisiana members to voice their objections to the Louisiana House Natural Resources Committee to reject any change in the law. Inexplicably, and outrageously, the legislature voted to create a "retroactive exemption" for Sandlin that would allow Tony to stay jammed in a gas station cage.

The Louisiana legislature should be ashamed of itself for creating a loophole to skirt its own state's animal-protection laws just so that one truck-stop owner—who has repeatedly violated federal law by failing to provide tigers with adequate veterinary care and safe and sanitary housing and by handling tigers in a way that causes them undue stress or trauma—can continue to use a caged, deprived tiger as a sad “mascot.”

We called on Governor Bobby Jindal to veto this ludicrous move, and as we have offered for years, PETA stands ready to help transport Tony to the sanctuary that is waiting to give him a real life, where he would finally have acres in which to roam and a real home.

To say that this process has been maddening is an understatement.
Animal Legal Defense Fund Files Lawsuit against Louisiana for Violating State Constitution with New Tony the Truck Stop Tiger Law.

Governor Jindal’s Signature on SB 250 Draws National Controversy and Courtroom Showdown

For immediate release:

Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, ALDF
Megan Backus, ALDF

BATON ROUGE—In their ongoing battle to free Tony, a tiger living at Grosse Tete’s Tiger Truck Stop, the national nonprofit Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and former Representative Warren Triche, Jr. filed suit against the State of Louisiana for violating the Louisiana Constitution by passing a law that exempts a single individual from existing state public safety and animal welfare laws. The sole purpose of SB 250, signed by Governor Jindal last week as “Act 697,” is to allow Tiger Truck Stop owner Michael Sandlin to keep the 14-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger caged in a gas station parking lot––captivity that previously violated Louisiana law, which prohibits the private possession of dangerous large exotic cats. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of former Representative Warren Triche Jr., the Louisiana legislator who sponsored the 2006 big exotic cats ban, as well as other Louisiana residents and taxpayers, in the East Baton Rouge District Court. The defendants include the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Tiger Truck Stop, and Michael Sandlin.

According to the lawsuit, Act 697 violates the Louisiana Constitution’s prohibition on “special laws” that grant exclusive benefits to any private individual or interest. ALDF seeks an injunction against these privileges given to Sandlin, who has repeatedly sought preferential treatment while openly violating the law. Act 697 would undo several legal victories achieved by ALDF on Tony the tiger’s behalf, and retroactively remove the protections Tony received under the existing ban. Rep. Warren Triche, Jr. explains that “Tony’s situation played a principal role in passing the 2006 bill, as he was a perfect example of why such legislation was needed.” Governor Jindal recently has taken several actions that many see as anti-animal welfare, including signing a bill to declare the blood sport of fox penning part of the state heritage, and vetoing a Republican bill that would have protected dogs in pickup trucks.

In 2011, ALDF successfully sued LDWF for unlawfully issuing Sandlin a permit to exhibit Tony. ALDF was joined in the suit by former Rep. Triche, Jr. and several other Louisiana taxpayers. In April 2013, the Louisiana Court of Appeal held that Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop were ineligible for a big cat permit and could no longer keep Tony captive. In October 2013, the Louisiana Supreme Court let that decision stand.

“By vetoing pro-animal laws brought forth by his own party, and signing this unconstitutional law, Governor Jindal has cast a shadow over his aspirations for a national run for the White House,” said Stephen Wells, executive director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “The Animal Legal Defense Fund will not allow Tony’s protections to be subverted by backroom politics. Tony deserves to live in a reputable sanctuary, not a gas station parking lot.”

Cruelty Alert! 5 Horrific Roadside Zoos and Menageries for Exotic Animals in the U.S.

#WhatAreYouAfraidOf That I'll never get out of the truck stop & to a real sanctuary home :( http://aldf.org/tony  

Perhaps one of the most well-known instances of an animal being held at a pit stop isTony, the truck stop tiger, who has been living at a gas station in Louisiana for the past 12 years. Michael Sandlin, the owner of Tiger Truck Stop, has long battled animal rights groups in court over Tony’s fate. In 2003, three of Sandlin’s tigers were removed from his care due to a number of violations. Still, Tony remained at the truck stop.

Sandlin challenged a 2006 statewide ban on the private ownership of exotic cats in 2009. And in 2014, he conspired with a Louisiana lawmaker and produced an exemption to the 2006 ban (Senate Bill 250), one that frees Sandlin from the ban and allows him to keep Tony in captivity.

Sandlin’s website, SaveTony, pleas for his followers to help save Tony from the activists trying to take his tiger away from his home and for private citizens to stand up for their rights to own exotic animals.

Luckily, there are many people who see right through this shameless ploy and oppose Tony’s captivity. The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to campaign for Tony’s freedom, click here to learn more about their work.