Read the original article by Terry L. Jones at theadvocate.com here.
Animal welfare advocates aren’t happy about the Tiger Truck Stop’s recent acquisition of a camel and baby coati, but state lawmakers, Iberville Parish officials and the village’s mayor say they are staying out of the fight.
Animal activists who argue Michael Sandlin’s roadside truck stop isn’t suitable for the captivity of any animal — exotic or domestic — say they think authorities need to do something to stop him.
“Obviously we’re disappointed Tiger Truck Stop is going to continue to exploit animals to try and promote his business,” said Tony Eliseuson, senior staff attorney with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. “I would hope they would step up and do something about it.”
But federal, state and local officials say there is nothing they can do.
Sandlin is a licensed exhibitor through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Act who has met all the state’s health requirements regarding the procurement of his two newest animals.