4 days ago
Zoo owner arrested on drug charges following raid
An arrest was made in connection to this month's multi-agency raid and investigation of West Coast Game Park Safari, but not for what was expected. On May 27, the roadside zoo's owner Brian Tenney, 52, was arrested by Bandon Police on charges of possession, production, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine.
In addition to the relocation of 310 of the zoo's animals due to mistreatment and poor living conditions, the May 15 raid also yielded a drug and weapon bust. According to new information from the Coos County Sherrif's Office, the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) discovered nearly 80 grams of meth, 44 guns (including one modified to be fully automatic), 8 grams of cocaine, and roughly $1.6 million in cash, cashier's checks, bonds, and certificates.
This discovery came in a tandem investigation with members of the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, IRS, and Department of Justice as they served multiple warrants and investigated the park's negligence toward its animals. Veterinarians assessed the animals' health, nutrition, and enclosure conditions after years of citations and reports of mistreatment.
Three of the animals assessed were in such poor condition they had to be euthanized, as transportation would have likely been too much for them. The rest of the 310 are now in animal sanctuaries or properly run care facilities.
According to the Associated Press, Tenney was released as the District Attorney's office awaited further information. Charges in relation to the conditions at the zoo and the treatment of its animals have yet to be handed down in what is likely to be a long running case from the state against the zoo.
This is still an ongoing investigation. The World will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
