Comments for Cat Fight at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 27 out of 20 comments http://www.theind.com Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:54:37 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-21049 Ill keep this short / I was upset to lose my job at the truck stop / I have a lot of resentments towards some coworkers / but toni is exactly where he should be. /they take very good care/ a lot goes into that one tiger. / but mostly love - daryl Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:58:32 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-20722 All of you are only going by what other have to say about Tony and his horrible conditions need to go see for your self just how bad Tony has it. He has a pool and his own Vet,abig area to tomp in amd the times i was ther his area was very clean..So go my friends and see for yourselves just what Sky isn't telling you before you condemn. - Lee Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:17:26 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-20673 So Sky jumped back in bed with bcr huh? What happened to all the rants about how stupid they are? - RS Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:30:17 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-18727 Whoever you are, Brandy, don't you have anything better to do than to slag someone on line. Get a life. Sky Williamson has been fighting for Tony for 10 years and her personal life is none of our concern. Grow up. - Frank Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:22:42 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-16659 Yes - he used to have a string of these places in Texas with tigers being exploited. Then Texas became enlightened and closed him down. So he set up in Louisiana where corruption and stupidity is rife and he is allowed to continue his animal abuse. - NetteWebb Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:06:00 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-13746 Michael Sandlin has proved over and over how little he cares for Tony. Time to do the right thing and move Tony to heathlier environment! - Debra Dietrich Thu, 06 Jan 2011 04:39:13 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-10977 I certainly understand the concern for these poor animals. However before becoming involved wouldn't it be a good idea to get information about who you are dealing with. How can you be supportive of someone who not only left their own child behind for other people to raise, but then aborted another child. Or someone that is physically and mentally abusive to people. Yes we need to save the animals, but who is saving the children especially from such people as Sky Williamson. Folks she is not what she appears. Be careful what you believe. Most of what she says most especially about her past life is nothing but lies. It is attentions seeking behavior. I just ask that you know who and what you are dealing with. All that shines is not gold. - Brandy Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:25:24 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9743 While I can (to some extent) understand Mr. Sandlin's emotional attachment to Tony as a pet, he does not appear to care enough for his 'pet' to do what is in Tony's best interest. I hope at some point he will come to realize how inhumane it is keeping a tiger in a cage at a gas station. - Wanda Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:42:07 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9537 Many of you posted great comments! Keep the wild in your heart, not in your home. "It is the Department's position that private possession of tigers poses a significant hazard to public safety and is detrimental to the health of the animal. Prolonged confinement is by its nature stressful to tigers and proper long-term care by experienced persons is essential to the health of the animal." Maria Davidson (Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries) Join Tony on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FreeTonyTheTiger Tony on Wordpress: http://freetonythetiger.wordpress.com/ Tony on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FreeTonyTheTiger Follow Tony on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FreeTonyTiger Big Cat Rescue's Free Tony: http://www.freetony.com Tony on Weebly: http://freetonythetiger.weebly.com/ Sign Tony's Petitions: http://tinyurl.com/ldwfnopertts http://tinyurl.com/tonyboytts http://www.change.org/petitions/view/boycott_conocophillips http://tinyurl.com/tonykellpet Free Tony The Tiger on Buzznet http://bit.ly/atvSqH Saving one animal may not change the world... But surely, for that one animal... The world will change forever! - Sky Williamson Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:44:51 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9536 I have been aware of this situation with Tony for years. It is amazing what ignorance and cruelty and greed Sandlin and the Iberville council have exhibited throughout this time. While all the posturing and politicking has been going on, Tony the Tiger continues to suffer. What a darn shame... This sure does reinforce the backwoods yahoo stereotype of LA.... - Florida Potter Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:16:53 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9524 I first heard about Tony a little over 4 months ago. I sat here and read his story, looked at his pictures, watched the videos..and I have not been the same person since. Our Planet and the animals left on it are in deep trouble. For those that are endangered (because of Man), need our help..Keeping in mind those animals are Wild Animals..they are not to be tamed, or treated as such,they are not to trained to do tricks... they are to be protected in places when rescued, that gives them as close as close can be, A place that resembles their natural habitat. A TRUCKSTOP is not a natural habitat. A CONCRETE CAGE is not a natural habitat. Any person who cares or is a lover of animals domestic or wild....who truly cares for the well being of any Animal realizes that how Tony has lived for 10 years of his life, realizes this is wrong it is cruel, and has been a very Unhealthy Enviroment for this Tiger. This Tiger has lived day in and day out in this tiny cage for 10 years!!! Unprotected for the scorching Louisiana heat, surrounded by the noise and the fumes of this truckstop for 10 years!!! This is wrong, this should not be allowed any longer! I dont care who you are, or what you may think...If you think that a Wild Animal such as this, has a Good Quality of Life, then you better go back and take another look at this Tiger. Mr. Sandlin has managed all on his own to take the spirit from this animal...He has stripped him of all wild instincts, and has robbed him from a life. If he truly cared about Tony, then he would want Tony to have a life of peace...without the noise that haunts him 24/7..without people poking or prodding at him in hopes that he will move for them....without just barely existing. He would want this Tiger to feel grass at his feet, and cool water to help relieve that heat, to be able to smell the scents of his wildlife neighbours.....TO HAVE AN EXISTANCE THAT RESEMBLES WHAT GOD PUT THIS CREATURE ON THIS PLANET FOR...... Since Mr. Sandlin refuses to help this Tiger have this, then its up to us, the People who truly care for these animals..and care for them for the RIGHT REASONS, to help this Tiger..and so this is what we will continue to do until that day comes. Its time that THE VOICES of these creatures are spoken for!!!! Its time that people like Mr. Sandlin realize that these creatures have a VOICE have a SAY and most importantly have a RIGHT!... ....because you see, this planet is not just for MAN'S choice in how he lives....This planet is for the ANIMAL'S choice in how it lives....and its time that this is RECOGNIZED.... This planet does not only belong to us...it was meant to be shared by the creatures who also 'own' it, and its time that they be treated with RESPECT! I am getting the pleasure of knowing Ms.Sky Williamson and I am blessed, I am thankful beyond words,and I have the deepest admiration for her and what she has made aware. I support her cause 110% and will continue to do so until this Tiger and others like him are put where they belong....and that is NOT AT A TRUCKSTOP...... - Dawn Flann Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:45:57 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9500 "ANIMALS ARE NOT PROPERTY THEY ARE NOT OURS TO USE THEY ARE AN END UNTO THEMSELVES THEIR FREEDOM IS BEAUTIFUL AND THEIR SLAVERY IS HORROR" JUST AN UPDATE HERE FOLKS.....AUG 2010 AND HERE IS SOME INFORMATION YOU SOUTHERN FOLK NEED TO KNOW...MICHAEL SANDLIN TONY'S OWNER WAS OFFERED A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY RECENTLY THAT WOULD END THIS SITUATION AND BRING MORE VISITORS TO YOUR SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN....A TIGER MUSEUM, FULLY PAID FOR. THIS OFFER IS STILL ON THE TABLE AND HE HAS NOT RESPONDED, WHY YOU ASK. BECAUSE MR. SANDLIN LIVES IN A TIME WHEN OWNING PEOPLE AND TIGERS USED TO BE COMMON. NOW THOSE DAYS ARE COMING TO AN END. HE SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING HERE. PUT YOUR "THIS IS MY BACKYARD" ATTITUDE TO REST FOR ONE MINUTE AND THINK ABOUT THIS....HOW would you like to lay down to go to bed at night and there is a diesel truck in your driveway with its headlights on and the truck idles all night...TELL ME FOLKS, WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST DOWN IN YOUR SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN. I DIDNT THINK SO. WELL TONY THE TIGER LIVES THIS HELL DAILY. ITS TIME FOR SOME CHANGES, DO THE RIGHT THING, STOP ACTING LIKE A BABY SANDLIN AND BEING SO ARROGANT AND SMUG. GOD DIDNT PUT TIGERS ON THIS EARTH FOR YOU TO BLATANTY DISPLAY AND WHY ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE ON YOUR SIDE, I CAN BET THEY GET TO EAT FOR FREE AT YOUR BUFFET OR GET A GAS DISCOUNT. THE DAY YOU TELL ANYONE THAT CARES ABOUT ANIMALS TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS CAUSE THEY DOWN LIVE IN YOUR "TOWN" IS THE DAY I AM DEAD. I AM A GOD FEARING, AMERICAN CITIZEN AND I REFUSE TO LET A TIGER SUFFER. PUT YOUR PRIDE AWAY, GET EDUCATED ON TIGERS AND READ A BOOK AND ASK YOURSELF, WOULD YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE TONY, I DIDNT DAMN THINK SO. STOP SUPPORTING THIS IDEA AND IF HE DOESNT LET TONY GO TO A CAT RESCUE, HE SHOULD FIND ONE HE APPROVES OF AND DO THE RIGHT THING. IMAGINE BEING SO ARROGANT TO THINK YOU CAN DECIDE WHO THE HELL LIVES OR DIES IN A CAGE. YOU DONT HAVE THAT GOD GIVEN RIGHT, WHY GRANT IT TO SANDLIN????? - Cheryl H - AMERICAN CITIZEN!!! Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:55:01 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9499 For all you Southern FOLKS....who think a Tiger is a pet...THINK AGAIN HERE FOLKS. ANIMALS ARE NOT PROPERTY THEY ARE NOT OURS TO USE THEY ARE AN END UNTO THEMSELVES THEIR FREEDOM IS BEAUTIFUL AND THEIR SLAVERY IS HORROR" .....Michael Sandlin has been offered the chance to have a Tiger Museum built, at no cost to him, which would be a fun and educational experience to all visitors and children alike, they can see that someone actually cared enough for his Tigers and IF YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT THIS ISSUE, ITS NOT A MATTER OF CRAZY ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, ITS A MATTER OF WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG HERE. YOUR RIGHTS AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN DO NOT GRANT YOU THE RIGHT TO SEE WHO LIVES OR DIES IN A CAGE, YOU DONT HAVE THAT MUCH POWER, TRY NOT PAYING YOUR TAXES AND SEE HOW MUCH POWER YOU HAVE. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MONEY AND PEOPLE BEING PAID OFF TO KEEP THEM QUITE, SO IN YOUR SLEEPY LITTLE TOWN WHEN YOU LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN TO REST...THINK ABOUT THIS, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A DIESEL TRUCK IDLING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY WITH THE SMELL OF FUMES GOING WHILE YOU TRY TO SLEEP AND THEY HAVE THEIR HEADLIGHTS ON...SO THINK OF THIS AT NIGHT WHEN YOU START RANTING AND RAVING ABOUT YOUR "STATE OF LOUSIANA" CITIZENS ONLY RIGHTS. PUT YOUR DOG IN A CAGE AND TREAT HIM LIKE THAT AND ALL THE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A FIT!!! WAKE UP AND FIND SOME COMPASSION AND STOP THINKING OF YOURSELVES AND WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE....TRY THINKING LIKE A TIGER AND SIT IN THAT SITUATION 24HRS A DAY FOR TEN YEARS. NOT A PRETTY SIGHT NOW IS IT. SANDLIN SHOULD TAKE THE OFFER OF A MUSEUM AND STOP BEING A SPOILED CRY BABY, IF HE LOVED TIGERS SO MUCH HE WOULD TREAT THEM BETTER, AND NOT KEEP THEM NEAR THE DANGEROUS GAS PUMPS. FOR ALL OF YOU WHO SAY "THIS IS OUR STATE" WELL, THIS IS MY COUNTRY AND THE LAWS IN PLACE SAY - PRIVATE OWNERSHIP IS ILLEGAL. THEY ARE EXTINCT!!!! DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE TIGER POPULATION BEFORE YOU PULL OUT YOUR BIG BABY GUNS.......READ A BOOK AND EDUCATE YOURSELVES AND NEXT TIME YOU GO TO THE TRUCK STOP PUT YOURSELF IN TONYS PLACE AND REALIZE...GEE THIS VIEW SUCKS.!!! GO BIG OR GO HOME. SANDLIN NEEDS TO GROW UP AND LEAVE THE LIVE ANIMALS ALONE AND PICK ON SOMEONE HIS OWN SIZE. ALL HES MISSING IS LIVE STRIPPERS....WHY NOT EXPLOIT THE WOMEN IN TOWN TOO. THIS IS NOT YOUR RIGHT TO OWN A TIGER, GOD DID NOT PUT THEM ON THIS EARTH FOR YOU TO TOY WITH. ARROGANT SELF SERVING PEOPLE ARE NOT GODS FRIENDS. WE WONT LOOK AWAY FROM TONY AND WE WONT LET YOU SOUTHERN YAHOOS WHO STILL LIVE IN THE DARK AGES THINK THIS IS OK. YOU PROBABLY DONT EVEN HAVE A COMPUTER OR A CELL PHONE...TAKE A TRIP OUT OF THE SOUTH AND SEE HOW THE REAL WORLD LIVES. AND PETA ISNT EVEN INVOLVED IN THIS ISSUE SO STOP WHINING ABOUT THEM. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO I TELL THIS STORY TO CANT BELIEVE THERE IS NOT ONE COMPASSIONATE CARING PERSON DOWN SOUTH IN GROSSE TETE LOUSIANA, SO EITHER SANDLIN IS LETTING YOU EAT FOR FREE AT HIS BUFFET IF YOU STAND UP FOR HIM, OR YOUR A MEMBER OF HIS CHURCH, OR YOU GET A GAS DISCOUNT. THE TIGERS LIFE SUCKS. END OF STORY. - Cheryl H - AMERICAN CITIZEN!!! Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:39:18 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9497 For the people who like to say, "Oh this has been going on for years? Who is this person that thinks we should change?" A lot of people used to say the exact same thing about slavery before the Civil War. Re: David's comment: There's been tigers at that truck stop for 20-30 years. This woman is from Florida, she's lived in Louisiana for 2 years? So she decides she's gonna change something she doesn't like in a state where she has no roots? That's been the cause of alot of trouble in our state for 100's of years now. She's like a modern day carpetbagger. Let's hope she finds work in some other state so she can go meddle in their affairs. No Sky's not like a modern day carpetbagger. She's like a modern day anti-slavery activists. Ironically, the origin of grandfather laws: The term originated in late-19th-century legislation and constitutional amendments passed by a number of U.S. Southern states which created new restrictions on voting, but exempted those whose ancestors (grandfathers) had the right to vote before the Civil War. The existence of slaves prior to the Civil War effectively excluded African Americans while allowing poor and illiterate whites to vote. Although the original grandfather clauses were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1915, the terms grandfather clause and grandfather remain in use. - Valeria Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:19:15 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9493 Actually, there is a stuffed tiger at Tiger Truck Stop. One of their former tigers, (a white female), is stuffed and displayed over the salad bar in their restaurant. Isn't that such a great way to show respect for your "family member?" No proper burial, no dignity, even in death. Still forced to be a side show attraction to fuel someone's business. At Big Cat Rescue there are no cages. There are giant enclosures that consist of dirt, grass, trees, plants, streams and pools of water. The cats there are allowed to socialize with other cats. There is no concrete. If you truly care for someone - human or animal - you do what is in their best interest, even if it may be sad, painful or difficult for you. Or even, God forbid!, if it is expensive or may cost revenue. It is easy to tell a happy cat from an unhappy cat and one look at the videos of cats at BCR will show anyone that these are happy cats! We all want to interact with big cats. I would be overjoyed to pet a tiger or play with a cub. Yet, I know that just as I would never bring a large breed dog into my tiny apartment, places like Tiger Truck Stop are not the right place for big cats. Myself and others will just have to be satisfied admiring these beautiful animals from afar. I hope that the rest of Tony's life can be as happy as possible for him and that, at the very least, the work done to save him will save future animals from his fate. - Jacqueline York Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:56:42 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9492 I am truly saddened to see that people in this day and age still support the exploitation of animals for personal gain, pleasure or for the pretense of "teaching" their children. The only thing taught in situations like this is that it is okay to take animals from the wild or breed them and let them languish in an inappropriate habitat where he is not receiving adequate care. As with circuses, being confined in an unhealthy environment and in an enclosure that is substandard for a species that would normally live in a radius of many miles, there are detrimental psychological and physical effects. I appreciate that there are people thinking about the bigger picture of global animal welfare. We must protect these magnificent animals and discourage backyard breeders and people who literally have no idea what they are taking on (which often leads to attacks because the animal IS wild and thousands of years have given them a genetic "fight or attack" response, abandonment, mistreatment or neglect) of the animal) As noted in the article, the sanctuaries are FULL and turning away animals in need! People, please know this is a plea to keep unwanted or uncontrollable animals from perishing or cruelty as well as protecting those humans who think they are doing something fun and neat by buying an exotic "pet" that may not be able to handle. This is not just about Mr. Sandlin. There is a larger impact if we do not continue to tighten our laws about exotic/ wild animal ownership. For every exotic animal caught in the wild and shipped overseas, many others die in transit or become orphans. Please read more about what happens to get these "cuddly" critters to foreign land for your enjoyment and how circus animals are "trained" and housed. - Kris Blake Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:54:25 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9491 This issue is tragically sad. I can't decide what is more depressing - that this living animal is being forced to live in such poor conditions as a novelty to the ignorant, or that those people somehow feel like they ought to be entitled to continue these abuses as their right, or because it's entertaining to tourists. Why hasn't this poor creature been moved to a rescue that can properly care for him in a more appropriate environment already? It's downright shameful. - Kitty Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:35:15 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9490 "Roadside attractions" are so outdated & backwards thinking. I can't believe anyone can think this is OK. Sandlin obvioulsly knows nothing about animal husbandry & should have give this up a long time ago. Tony seems to be just an object to make himself feel like a tough guy--or a spoiled child who doens't want to give up a toy! Tony is a living, breathing creature who has been suffering WAY too long, and the fact Sandlin doesn't see Tony's suffering should tell everyone something! And teaching children that treating animals in such a horrible manner is not the way to make them compassionate,empathetic adults..... - sera Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:23:57 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-9489 I still can not believe he has that poor tiger. Hes right when he says that if someone wants to and can care for a tiger then they should be able to. But he cant. He isnt. Tony dosnt get the things tigers need to be healthy and happy. People who keep dogs in cages like Tony's get the dog taken away, but he can keep a tiger like that. - Katherine Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:53:39 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/3823#comment-1748 Wow - as they say - "only in America!" (not really - awful practices like this are prevalent in plenty of third world countries - you just don't expect it of our developed nations!) What a horrific situation for this poor tiger! And I really can't believe that there are people who still think this is OK! A wild animal belongs in the wild - or if it has been cruelly removed from its mother at 3 WEEKS ( for gosh sakes - surely there's a law against that!)then at best a sanctuary. Reading of the hideous conditions poor Tony is living in is bad enough - but the list of violations this guy Sandlin is guilty of, which he gets out of with a fine, and still manages to keep this animal - you have to wonder just what it takes for the laws to be properly enforced. So very sad - a wonderful wild animal - reduced to a "roadside attraction". And wow! again - bravo to Sky Williamson - that girl has guts! - Pam Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:10:39 +0100