LSU Update: PETA Pushes Back—Yes, Tiger Stunt Was Unlawful

For Immediate Release:
November 15, 2024

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA has just fired off a letter to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries clarifying that, despite what the department has inaccurately claimed in media reports, the tiger stunt at Louisiana State University’s (LSU) game on Saturday was not exempt from state regulations prohibiting the possession of big exotic cats.

In the letter, PETA notes that LSU didn’t import Omar Bradley the tiger—exhibitor Mitchel Kalmanson did—and that the regulations only exempt circuses that offer “varied performances by live animals, clowns, and acrobats.” PETA writes that “…despite Gov. [Jeff] Landry’s best efforts to turn Saturday’s game into one, an LSU football game does not qualify as a circus.” PETA is accordingly asking wildlife officials to hold Kalmanson accountable for the evidently illegal exhibition.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries follows.

November 15, 2024

Madison Sheahan

Secretary

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Will Roberts

Captain, Region 7

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Dear Secretary Sheahan and Captain Roberts:

I’m writing to follow up on PETA’s request that LDWF pursue all available remedies against Mitchel Kalmanson for apparently unlawfully importing a tiger to be exhibited at LSU’s football game last weekend. We saw LDWF’s statement to media outlets regarding exemptions to Louisiana’s regulations prohibiting the possession of big exotic cats and wanted to clarify why this exhibition does not appear to qualify for these exemptions.

While PETA concedes that universities that have traditionally kept a big exotic cat as a mascot, such as LSU, are exempt, LSU did not import Omar Bradley the tiger—Kalmanson did. Contrary to your statement that “traveling exhibitors incorporated under a valid USDA Class C Exhibitor License who are only in the state temporarily” are exempt, the regulation only exempts circuses that meet those conditions and “offer[ ] varied performances by live animals, clowns, and acrobats . . . .” La. Admin. Code tit. 76, Pt V, § 115 (E)(4). While Kalmanson has historically exhibited animals at circuses, and despite Gov. Landry’s best efforts to turn Saturday’s game into one, an LSU football game does not qualify as a circus. Therefore, PETA maintains its position that Kalmanson’s import of a tiger violated the letter and spirit of Louisiana’s laws.

PETA respectfully renews its request that you hold Kalmanson fully accountable for this apparent violation.

Very truly yours,

Klayton Rutherford

Associate Director, Captive Wildlife Research

Captive Animal Law Enforcement

PETA Foundation