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Tell LSU To Stop Exploiting Tigers For Cheap Game-Day Thrills

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

LSU paraded a caged tiger into a deafening stadium, ignoring his welfare for mere fanfare. Help us put an end to this cruel, outdated practice and demand compassionate treatment for all animals.

LSU paraded a caged tiger into a deafening stadium, ignoring his welfare for mere fanfare. Help us put an end to this cruel, outdated practice and demand compassionate treatment for all animals.

Louisiana State University (LSU) recently brought a live tiger onto its football field, sparking an outcry from animal rights groups, veterinarians, and concerned citizens. The tiger, named Omar Bradley, was transported from Florida under the direction of Governor Jeff Landry. Omar was placed in a cage for just a few minutes, yet the ethical implications have stirred fierce debate1. LSU had retired its practice of live tiger displays in 2016, but this recent event marks a concerning step back2.

Distress and Disruption to the Animal

For a tiger, bright lights, deafening stadium noise, and crowds are overwhelming. LSU’s display disregarded Omar’s well-being, exposing him to an environment far from his natural habitat. Experts argue that this brief show risks severe distress to such a sensitive animal, especially one subjected to travel and confinement3. Responding to this event, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a formal complaint, stating that LSU’s actions likely violate Louisiana’s exotic animal laws4.

Questionable Welfare Practices

Omar’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson, has faced multiple citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to provide proper animal care. Despite this, LSU chose to bypass their campus sanctuary’s mascot, Mike VII, for a more theatrical display. Kalmanson’s past record of neglect raises serious ethical questions about LSU’s decision to bring his tiger to the game5.

Ignoring State Laws for Entertainment

Louisiana law limits the importation of exotic animals for entertainment, yet LSU brought Omar across state lines, seemingly without considering these restrictions6. This lack of accountability undermines the law’s intent to protect exotic animals. LSU’s actions send a concerning message that tradition outweighs animal welfare, even if it means bending or violating regulations.

Stand with Us to Protect Wildlife

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has the authority to step in, enforce state laws, and prevent future incidents. Tigers deserve respect and compassionate treatment, not exploitation for a few minutes of spectacle.

Sign the petition now and call on the LDWF to take action and hold LSU accountable.

More on this issue:

  1. The Guardian (11 November 2024), "Louisiana governor criticized over live tiger show at university football game."
  2. Haley Miller and Andrea Gallo, The Advocate (11 November 2024), "Louisiana taxpayers, LSU didn't pay for tiger at Alabama game, Jeff Landry reps say,."
  3. Brett Martel, AP News (9 November 2024), "Caged tiger wheeled into LSU’s Tiger Stadium for the first time since 2015 at governor’s behest."
  4. Nigell Moses, WWLTV (9 November 2024), "Here's what happened with the live tiger at LSU vs. Alabama game."
  5. Gabby Davis, WBRZ (9 November 2024), "LSU fans divided over live tiger at football game."
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The Petition:

To the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and President of Louisiana State University (LSU),

We, the undersigned, are writing to call for immediate action to prevent Louisiana State University (LSU) from transporting live tigers across state lines solely for use as a prop in football game entertainment. This practice not only places the animal at risk but also contradicts Louisiana’s administrative code, which limits the importation of exotic animals.

Tigers are wild animals that deserve respect, compassion, and humane treatment, free from the unnecessary stress of large, loud crowds, blinding stadium lights, and unnatural confinement. Transporting these majestic creatures for brief displays fails to consider their well-being and welfare, prioritizing tradition over the needs of sentient animals. Displaying a live tiger in a sports arena is not only ethically troubling but also disregards the commitments made to protect the animal’s habitat and life quality.

We urge LDWF to enforce current regulations and hold LSU accountable for violating the spirit and letter of Louisiana’s exotic animal laws. By halting or penalizing these actions, Louisiana can make a bold statement that animal welfare, conservation, and ethical standards take precedence over spectacle.

Your actions can ensure a compassionate future, where respect for animals is part of our culture, and the next generations look back at a society that chose to protect, not exploit, its wildlife.

Sincerely,

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Signatures: