An emotional roller coaster for both the tiger’s owner- Michael Sandlin, and animal activist Sky Williamson. They've been going head to head for over a year.
“We're not against regulations, but we are against this legislation that takes the rights away from people that own them,” said Sandlin.
An ordinance in the books since 1993 to prohibit anyone from owning a wild or exotic animal was amended tonight. Eleven of the twelve council members present voted to grandfather “Tony the Tiger” in. Even though Tony stays put for now, Williamson says this tiger tale is far from over.
"Until his last breath, I'm gonna fight for this tiger…gonna fight this battle for tony," said Williamson.
Parish president Mitchell Ourso says there are still some conditions that need to be met before he signs on the dotted line.
"I have mixed emotions most important is health and welfare of the tiger," said Ourso.
Ourso will meet with Sandlin over the next 10 days to iron out concerns he has. He wants Tony's cage to have a heater for cold days, and on hot days — something to help keep him cool.
Both sides gathered more than 3,000 signatures from supporters. But in the end, Sandlin says Tony is here to stay.
After sitting down with the parish president, Sandlin now has to get a permit from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
