Home News Controversy Over Live Tiger’s Return to LSU-Alabama Game Amidst Ethical Concerns and Responsibility Dispute

Controversy Over Live Tiger’s Return to LSU-Alabama Game Amidst Ethical Concerns and Responsibility Dispute

Controversy Over Live Tiger’s Return to LSU-Alabama Game Amidst Ethical Concerns and Responsibility Dispute

In what could be considered a controversial move by Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, a live tiger is set to feature in the LSU-Alabama game, stirring up a cloud of ambiguity surrounding the responsibilities and ethics of using live animals in such events. Despite inquiries by

Fox 8

, neither LSU spokesmen nor the governor’s office have clearly stated who will bear responsibility for the animal or the insurance for its appearance.

According to the

Louisiana Radio Network

, the tiger, a 1.5-year-old Bengal named Omar Bradley, is owned by Mitchel Kalmanson, a Florida-based owner of an exotic animal talent agency plagued with federal citations for mistreating animals. Notwithstanding past escapes of his big cats, Kalmanson has been brought on board to reintroduce a live mascot into the LSU football tradition, a practice halted in 2015 due to humane concerns. However, details regarding the funding of the tiger’s insurance and care were not disclosed, causing concern about potential taxpayer or donor burden.

Gov. Landry, indicating a backing of tradition over concerns, remarked on

Louisiana Radio Network,

“This is about from Mike I through VI, we have had a live mascot on the field, like many other colleges have before. Of course, we’re honoring those Mikes. And no one is going to take away the honor and respect and love that we have for Mike VII.” Joining the fray, Dr. Ralph Abraham said, “This is about tradition,” reiterating the sentiment shared by the governor about LSU’s tiger mascot lineage. Amidst the furor, the voice of opposition has been articulated by the associate director of captive wildlife research at the PETA Foundation, Klayton Rutherford, admonishing LSU’s choice as “out of touch with today’s respect for wild species.”

See also  Seguin City Offices and Library to Close on Veterans Day, Garbage and Recycling Services to Operate Normally

Landry’s office, as detailed by

Fox 8

, has pushed to return a live tiger to the sidelines of Tiger Stadium amidst criticism. Moreover, conversations with LSU have not yielded clarity, and the school’s response has left experts such as Oliver Garden, the dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, at odds with the decision.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.