Grosse Tete Tiger On Track To Stay Put

The saga of Tony the Tiger, a local celebrity at the Tiger Truck stop just off I-10 in Iberville Parish might not be going anywhere after all. The Louisiana House Natural Resources committee voted yesterday to approve an exception to state law and let Tony to maintain his current residence at The Tiger Truck Stop.

Mike Sandlin who owns and cares for Tony told the Louisiana Radio Network,

"This tiger has been a great joy to thousands of Louisiana residents, the people of Grosse Tete, to Iberville Parish and tourists. I would say he's probably the second most photographed tiger in the world." 

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo suggestedthe fact that Tony has lived at the truck stop for the past 14 years and appears to be doing just fine is why he supports the measure. In fact there is some concern that uprooting the creature from his current surroundings might be detrimental to his overall health.

Chris Green, legislative director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, sees Tony's plight in a much different light,

"SB 205 would sentence Tony to 10 more years in that parking lot breathing in diesel fumes, all to appease a gas station owner who's been charged with repeated willful violations of the Animal Welfare Act by the USDA for failing to provide even the most basic necessities to his tigers."

Green's comments were also reported to the Louisiana Radio Network.

Regardless, the outcome of Tony's adventure is now in the hands of the full body of the Louisiana House. The Senate approved the exception to state law allowing Tony to stay in Grosse Tete, the House must vote on the measure before the session comes to a close on Monday.