The proprietor of a safari park in southwest Oregon was arrested on narcotics charges after authorities confiscated methamphetamine, cocaine, dozens of guns, and over 300 animals during a raid earlier this month.
Brian Tenney, 52, was arrested on May 27 in conjunction with a South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team investigation and a probable cause order filed by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release. He was then taken to the Coos County Jail on accusations of methamphetamine possession, manufacture, and attempted distribution.
Tenney was eventually freed on May 27 when the district attorney’s office requested more information, according to a Coos County Jail employee. The inquiry is still ongoing, according to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.
His arrest comes after Oregon State Police, along with local, state, and federal agencies, executed various search warrants on May 15 at the West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon, a small city on the southern Oregon coast. The hunt ended on May 18, according to a news release from state police.
The police raid came after a “lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations,” according to state police. Investigators inspected the premises for evidence relevant to the investigation, such as animal care and welfare, permits, licensing, and business operations.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office reported that investigators discovered 80 grams of methamphetamine, 44 weapons, about 8 grams of cocaine, and $1.6 million in cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates at the site. They also seized and moved 310 animals to animal sanctuaries and rescue centers.
West Coast Game Park Safari had been receiving fines since 2016 for infractions such as keeping a dead tiger in a freezer for months, as well as animals found dead, sick, or famished that had never been inspected by a veterinarian, according to the Salem Statesman Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The West Coast Game Park Safari, which had been open since the 1960s, is now closed, according to the facility’s website. According to the website, the safari park is home to around 450 animals and 75 different kinds, with some creatures able to roam freely for a “hands-on” experience.
During the search for the facility, police recommended residents and visitors to avoid the park. State police claimed they were collaborating 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 Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
According to state police, veterinarians and workers from the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture were on the scene throughout the search to evaluate animal welfare.
Following early examinations on May 15, state police reported that one camel was euthanized after veterinary staff assessed that its condition was too bad for treatment or transportation. The camel had been diagnosed with “multiple serious medical conditions and suffering,” according to state police.
A chicken and a kinkajou were eventually euthanized owing to physical issues, according to state police.
According to state police, animal care has been a “primary consideration” throughout the operation. According to state police, no animals were released into the wild or left alone as a result of the search warrants.
“Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species,” the state’s police stated. “The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.”
