I am deeply distressed by the planned use of a live tiger for amusement at the upcoming college football game between LSU and Alabama in Baton Rouge, LA this Saturday.

As a devoted advocate for animals, I am committed to elevating their welfare and significantly dismayed by their mistreatment across the state of Louisiana. Any animal, especially wild animals, should not be treated like property and exploited for amusement.

This is not solely an issue surrounding an individual football game, but also an alarming attitude towards our co-inhabitants on this planet.

Each year, many wild animals are transported and made captives for similar entertainment across the nation. According to the organization Born Free USA, thousands of exotic animals, including tigers, are kept in private possession in the U.S (Source: Born Free USA). This increases the risk of animal-human conflict and puts stress on the animals—especially when they are unnaturally displayed like at the LSU v. Alabama game.

While it may be a tradition or seen as a symbol of team spirit, it is crucial to remember that tigers are inherently wild creatures, not props for public exhibition. Furthermore, studies affirm that tigers and similar wild animals experience higher levels of stress when exposed extensively to human activities and noise pollution (Source: PLoS One Journal).

We urge the mediating authorities to discourage this harmful tradition and instead promote respect for all species. Let us make this game, and all to follow, free from the unethical use of wild animals. Please sign this petition to showcase your commitment towards animal rights.