"Eyes See You" by Carolyn Schlueter $250

Artist Statement: "T.J. and several other tigers are among the lucky ones who reside at the National Tiger Sanctuary outside Bloomsdale, Missouri. The Sanctuary just took in a rescued mountain lion from a puppy mill in Seneca, MO ... oh my ... they also rescued two more tigers, both from the St. Louis area. Exotic animals need the freedom and care that a zoo or reputable facility such as the National Tiger Sanctuary can give them ... NOT being housed 24/7 in a 6-foot square wire cage in someone's back yard, in a puppy mill or other horrific conditions. They could endanger the entire area's population should they get loose. A carnivore is and always will be a carnivore no matter how "socialized" they are when an opportunity arises. Channel 4 did an undercover story of the Lolli Bros. Livestock Auction in Macon, MO. (You can see the live video link on the MAAL website.) There were vehicles in the parking lot from 36 states and Mexico. Oh my ... it was truly heartbreaking to watch that video and see the stressed camel and other animals being sold to the highest bidder to live out the rest of their lives who knows where and under what circumstances. MAAL and Sen. Tom Dempsey and Rep. Mike Sutherland support introduction of Senate Bill SB 227 (Dangerous Animal Registration) and House Bill HB 426 (Large Carnivore Regulation) in hopes of discouraging less reputable owners from mistreating these magnificent creatures and making the laws more stringent." Photography by Artist Carolyn Schlueter of St Charles, MO