The owner of a safari park in southwest Oregon was arrested on drug charges after law enforcement agencies seized methamphetamine, cocaine, dozens of firearms, and more than 300 animals during a raid at the facility earlier this month.
Brian Tenney, 52, was arrested on May 27 in connection with a South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team investigation as well as a probable cause issued by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. He was then transported to Coos County Jail on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution.
Tenney was later released on May 27 as the district attorney’s office awaited more information, a Coos County Jail staff member told The Associated Press. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.
His arrest comes after Oregon State Police — along with local, state, and federal agencies — served multiple search warrants at the West Coast Game Park Safari on May 15 near Bandon, a small city on the southern Oregon coast. The search concluded on May 18, state police said in a news release.
The police raid followed a “lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations,” according to state police. Investigators searched the property for evidence related to the investigation, including animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.
Investigators discovered 80 grams of methamphetamine, 44 firearms, about 8 grams of cocaine, and $1.6 million in cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates at the facility, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said. They also seized and relocated 310 animals to animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities.
West Coast Game Park Safari had been racking up violations since 2016 for offenses like a dead tiger kept in a freezer for months; and animals found dead, sick, or starving, or were never examined by a veterinarian, the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, previously reported.
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West Coast Game Park Safari, which had been operating since the 1960s, is now closed, according to the facility’s website. The website said the safari park housed more than 450 animals and 75 species, with certain animals allowed to free-roam in the park for a “hands-on” experience.
During the search of the facility, police advised community members and visitors to avoid the park. State police said it was working in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, and the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture were on scene during the search, evaluating animal welfare, according to state police.
Following initial assessments on May 15, state police said one camel was euthanized after veterinary staff determined its condition was too severe and treatment or transportation would likely result in death. The camel had been diagnosed with “multiple serious medical conditions and suffering,” according to state police.
A chicken and a kinkajou were also later euthanized due to their physical conditions, state police said.
State police said animal care has been a “primary consideration” of the operation. State police noted that no animals were released into the wild or unattended due to the search warrants.
“Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species,” state police said. “The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.”
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Police from several agencies were executing search warrants at West Coast Game Park Safari after a long criminal investigation into the facility.
Reports: West Coast Game Park Safari has been violating federal standards for years
Inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture detailed years of violations at West Coast Game Park Safari.
A USDA report from April 1 said two older lions and a black African leopard were observed with “prominently” visible hips, ribs, and spine. The report said the veterinarian had not been consulted or requested to examine or treat the animals.
Food storage containers were also found contaminated by rodent feces, and live rats were also seen on site, the report said.
“There is no readily identifiable facility attendant present throughout the zoo in areas where between 50 and 100 combined sheep, goats, llama, and deer roam free and have contact with and are hand fed by the public,” another USDA inspection report said.
Inspection reports also noted:
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Piles of rotting hay and molding food.
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A South American mammal known as a coatimundi was found dead in her enclosure.
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A capybara with a skin condition had not been examined by a veterinarian.
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Unsafe enclosures and a lioness confined to a cold, dark den with no light, ventilation, or drainage.
One inspection report said a dead tiger was found in the freezer that had been there for months. Frozen turkeys, which were meals for other animals, were being stored on top of the dead tiger.
A 2016 inspection report said two bears named “Sugar” and “Spice” were shot after a car backfired in the parking lot, causing a flock of peacocks to disperse and land in their enclosure.
The peacocks agitated “Sugar,” and an employee shot the bear due to concerns she would escape and hurt someone. They fired a second shot to make sure she was dead, the report said, and it hit “Spice.” The employee shot him again to end his suffering.
Reports also detailed unsafe and excessive public exposure of animals.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon safari park owner arrested after a police raid uncovered $1.6M
