Oregon police have arrested a safari park 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 safari park, 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
