Latest news with #WestCoastGamePark
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
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.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Oregon zoo owner is arrested on drug charges following police raid
BANDON, Ore. — Oregon police say they arrested a zoo owner on drug charges following a police raid at the facility earlier this month that resulted in drug seizures and hundreds of animals being relocated. The Coos County Sheriff's Office said Brian Tenney was arrested Tuesday on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing and attempted distribution. He was released later Tuesday as the district attorney's office awaited more information, a Coos County Jail staff member said when reached by phone Wednesday morning. On May 15, authorities served multiple search warrants at West Coast Game Park Safari, near the small town of Bandon on the southern Oregon coast. The action followed an investigation into the facility, including inquiries into the animals' welfare, Oregon State Police said. Police said they found 80 grams of methamphetamine, 44 firearms, roughly 8 grams of cocaine and $1.6 million in cash, cashier's checks, bonds and certificates. Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society and the state Departments of Wildlife and Agriculture responded to the scene to assess the animals' health, food quality, water supply, sanitation and enclosure conditions, authorities said. Police said 310 animals were relocated to animal sanctuaries or rescue facilities. After being evaluated by veterinarians, a camel, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. The investigation is ongoing.
The Guardian
28-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Oregon zoo owner arrested after raid finds drugs, guns and $1.6m
Oregon police have arrested a zoo owner on drug charges following a police raid at the facility earlier this month that found drugs and widespread animal mistreatment. The Coos county sheriff's office said that Brian Tenney, the owner of West Coast Game Park Safari, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing and attempted distribution. He was later released as the district attorney's office awaited more information, a staff member at the Coos county jail said when reached by the Associated Press. West Coast Game Park Safari has been under scrutiny in recent weeks, following a raid in mid-March that resulted in drug seizures. Authorities served multiple search warrants at the zoo, which holds more than 450 animals and is located near the small town of Bandon on the southern Oregon coast. The action followed an investigation into the facility, including inquiries into the animals' welfare, Oregon state police said. Police said they found 80g of methamphetamine, 44 firearms, roughly 8g of cocaine and $1.6m in cash, cashier's checks, bonds and certificates. Inspectors also raised concerns about the treatment of the animals, including malnourished lions and leopards that had 'hips, ribs, and spine prominently displayed under the skin'. Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society and the state departments of fish and wildlife and agriculture responded to the scene to assess the animals' health, food quality, water supply, sanitation and enclosure conditions, authorities said. Police said 310 animals were relocated to animal sanctuaries or rescue facilities. After being evaluated by veterinarians, a camel, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. The investigation is ongoing. The Associated Press contributed reporting
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Oregon zoo owner is arrested on drug charges following police raid
BANDON, Ore. (AP) — Oregon police say they arrested a zoo owner on drug charges following a police raid at the facility earlier this month that resulted in drug seizures and hundreds of animals being relocated. The Coos County Sheriff's Office said Brian Tenney was arrested Tuesday on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing and attempted distribution. He was released later Tuesday as the district attorney's office awaited more information, a Coos County Jail staff member said when reached by phone Wednesday morning. On May 15, authorities served multiple search warrants at West Coast Game Park Safari, near the small town of Bandon on the southern Oregon coast. The action followed an investigation into the facility, including inquiries into the animals' welfare, Oregon State Police said. Police said they found 80 grams of methamphetamine, 44 firearms, roughly 8 grams of cocaine and $1.6 million in cash, cashier's checks, bonds and certificates. Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society and the state Departments of Wildlife and Agriculture responded to the scene to assess the animals' health, food quality, water supply, sanitation and enclosure conditions, authorities said. Police said 310 animals were relocated to animal sanctuaries or rescue facilities. After being evaluated by veterinarians, a camel, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. The investigation is ongoing.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Hundreds of animals seized from safari park after police discover meth and firearms
Oregon State Police executed search warrants at the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon following a lengthy investigation into animal care, uncovering meth, $1.6 million in cash and bonds, and 44 firearms. Disturbing USDA reports detailed neglected Animals, lack of veterinary care, and a dead tiger found in a freezer, with one report citing a lioness confined to a dark den and insufficient staff for over 300 Animals. PETA had previously filed complaints about the park, describing conditions where a chimpanzee named George was housed alone after losing his mate, likening it to solitary confinement. Brian Tenney, 52, was arrested on May 27 and charged with meth possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution. All 310 Animals were relocated to accredited sanctuaries, while three Animals, including a camel, were euthanized due to their poor condition; PETA is advocating for the permanent closure of the park. Safari owner is arrested after cop raid took more than 300 animals from 'hellhole' zoo over their care
