**Target:** Governor Jeff Landry
**Goal:** Halt the use of the live tiger at LSU football games and ensure accountability for the alleged violations of animal welfare laws.
The recent decision to feature a live tiger, reportedly owned by Mitchel Kalmanson, at the Louisiana State University (LSU) football game raises serious ethical concerns and allegedly contravenes existing animal welfare laws. Reports indicate that Kalmanson has a prolonged history of federal animal abuse violations and has accumulated numerous citations from the Department of Agriculture over the past 20 years for the alleged improper care of his exotic animals. This alarming background has prompted outcry from animal rights advocates, including PETA, which has called the decision to showcase a live tiger “shameful,” emphasizing that exposing a sensitive wild animal to the chaos and noise of a football stadium is both callous and unnecessary.
Furthermore, it has been reported that Kalmanson has illegally imported the tiger into Louisiana, a blatant violation of state law requiring specific exemptions for such actions. Without a doubt, transporting a tiger across state lines for the sake of entertainment not only poses potential health risks to the animal but also highlights a disturbing trend of prioritizing spectacle over compassion. The apparent disregard for the well-being of this sensitive creature contradicts the ongoing public demand for ethical treatment of wildlife and animal welfare laws designed to protect such animals from exploitation and distress.
Given the severe implications of this situation, it is imperative to halt the planned use of the tiger at LSU football games immediately. Individuals and organizations, including PETA, have expressed overwhelming opposition to this practice, which was discarded nearly a decade ago due to similar concerns. A robust response to these allegations is necessary to prevent further instances of animal exploitation masquerading as tradition. It is time to put an end to such regressive practices and to demand accountability for those involved.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Landry,
The decision to showcase a live tiger at the upcoming LSU football game brings to light serious ethical and legal concerns regarding animal welfare that demand immediate action. The tiger, owned by Mitchel Kalmanson, has an extensive history of alleged violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, and experts from organizations such as PETA have condemned this choice as both dangerous and callous. PETA’s representatives have characterized Kalmanson as a notorious exhibitor with a track record riddled with incidents of animal neglect and abuse, which should give any responsible authority pause for thought.
Moreover, Kalmanson’s apparent failure to comply with Louisiana’s laws regarding the importation of big cats further complicates this matter. Reports suggest that he may not hold the necessary exemptions to legally bring a tiger like Omar Bradley into the state, raising concerns about both legality and animal safety. Subjecting a wild animal to the harsh and chaotic environment of a football stadium for entertainment undermines public trust in leadership and the ethical treatment of animals.
We urge you to reconsider this decision immediately, to halt any plans for the use of the tiger at LSU games, and to investigate the apparent violations of animal welfare laws by Kalmanson. The public deserves leadership that prioritizes the health and safety of animals, especially those as delicate as big cats. The days of using wild animals for cheap thrills must end, and accountability must reign.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Sayantan Kundu
