Investigation at West Coast Game Park Safari

OHS Partners with Agencies on Suspected Neglect Case

In partnership with Oregon State Police and multiple agencies, Oregon Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into suspected animal neglect at West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon, Oregon.

OHS is also making our Animal Crimes Forensic Center, the only one of its kind on the West Coast, available for any additional evidence support.

It’s important to note that this is an ongoing investigation. OHS is working closely with the other agencies involved and will post updates here when available.

OHS is also making our Animal Crimes Forensic Center, the only one of its kind on the West Coast, available for any additional evidence support.

An operation of this scale and complexity would not be possible without the partnership of all the agencies involved, and the leadership of Humane Law Enforcement Chief, Chris Allori.

OHS Humane Special Agents are commissioned by Oregon State Police and can enforce animal protection laws all over Oregon. Unlike other law enforcement agencies, OHS Humane Law Enforcement relies entirely on donor support.

It’s important to note that this is an ongoing investigation. OHS is working closely with the other agencies involved and will release updates when available.

Update: Owner of West Coast Game Park Safari Indicted

Friday, Aug 22

Brian Tenney, the owner of West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, OR, was indicted on 371 counts of felony animal neglect, plus other charges including racketeering, delivery of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of a machine gun. The manager of the park was also charged in the indictment.

Chris Allori, OHS Chief of Humane Law Enforcement, and Dr. Maia Titcomb, OHS Forensic Veterinarian, testified during the grand jury proceedings that led to the indictment.

OHS’ Humane Law Enforcement Department is leading the animal neglect investigation and was at West Coast Game Park Safari on May 15 when multiple agencies served search warrants at the facility and seized the animals. OHS also deployed the only forensic veterinarian to the operation to examine and document the animals and their environments.

The animals who were seized at the park have all been transferred to reputable facilities and sanctuaries.

Update: West Coast Game Park Safari investigation

Wednesday, May 28

It took four days for our Humane Law Enforcement team to complete their animal neglect investigation and evidence gathering at West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon.

In total, 322 animals were seized placed with reputable facilities where they will get the care they need.

Moving this many animals required dozens of agencies and experts. OHS is extremely grateful to the Oregon Department of Agriculture for leading this massive effort.

Two tortoises, a ferret, and a group of baby chicks were transported to OHS’ Rescue Center before moving to foster homes. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the tortoises had a ride to a sanctuary almost 500 miles away.

The last group of animals – 150 sheep, llamas and goats – spent 3 days at a temporary facility before being transported to their final destination. OHS deployed additional personnel to the site to provide daily care.

Now, the next phase of the work in the case begins.

Every animal from the West Coast Game Park Safari is a potential victim of animal neglect. OHS Humane Law Enforcement agents will tackle the painstaking process of combing through evidence, collaborating with our forensic veterinarian, and documenting their findings. OHS’ Animal Crimes Forensic Center will also be a resource for analyzing evidence and performing diagnostics. This process is expected to take several weeks, but it is essential for building a strong case.

Update: Operation Concludes as Investigators Depart Facility

Tuesday, May 20

On May 18, just before 10 p.m., investigators concluded their search of the West Coast Game Park Safari and cleared the area. As a result of the search, 310 animals were seized and relocated to accredited and/or permitted animal sanctuary or rescue facilities. No animals were released into the wild or unattended as a result of the search warrants.

Unfortunately, due to their physical condition, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. This is in addition to the camel that was euthanized on the first day of the search and is not the young camel featured in the previously distributed photograph.

Investigators are now processing all of the evidence obtained during their four-day search of the property. Due to the ongoing investigation and future adjudication of the case, no further information is available for release.

Oregon State Police thanks our partners and the multiple animal sanctuary and rescue organizations who assisted during the multiday incident. These efforts would not have been possible or successful without their continued assistance.

Update: Animal Care Specialists Continue Assessing Animal Welfare at West Coast Game Park Safari

Friday, May 16

A complete inventory and forensic assessment of animals is continuing and seized animals will be transported to appropriate, reputable facilities where they will receive specialized veterinary care. The pre-planning for the operation accounted for the relocation of all seized animals.

Veterinarians and staff with Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture evaluated animal welfare on scene. This assessment includes an animal’s physical condition, food quality, water supply, sanitation, enclosure conditions, and care sufficient to preserve their health and well-being.

Animal care has been a primary consideration during the investigation. Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species. Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.

During initial assessments on Thursday, May 15, one camel was diagnosed with multiple serious medical conditions and suffering. Onsite veterinary staff determined the animal’s condition was sufficiently grave and treatment or transportation would likely result in death. Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was the appropriate option.

This operation is the result of extensive planning and collaboration with multiple agencies. The delicate and complex nature of the investigation and search warrant operation required significant cooperation between the involved agencies, veterinary professionals, and numerous facilities that are accredited and/or permitted to care for these animals.

Press Release from Oregon State Police

OSP Investigation Leads to Search Warrant Service at West Coast Game Park Safari Near Bandon

COOS COUNTY, Ore. 15 May 2025 – This morning, May 15, 2025, the Oregon State Police in coordination with local, state, and federal partners served multiple search warrants at the West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon.

The search warrants are the result of a lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations. Investigators are searching the property for additional evidence related to the investigation including animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.

Oregon State Police is 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. Participating agencies provide regulatory oversight or bring specialized expertise in animal care to assist investigators with evaluating evidence gathered during the property search.

Limited information is available for release during the on-going criminal investigation. OSP is the primary contact for questions regarding today’s search warrants. The park is closed while police activity is present. Community members and visitors are encouraged to avoid the facility and should expect delays if traveling through the area.