Oregon Safari Park Owner Brian Tenney Indicted on 371 Charges for Animal Neglect Amidst Discovery of Drugs, Guns, and Millions in Cash
BANDON, Oregon – Brian Tenney, the owner of the now-closed West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon, Oregon, faces a staggering 371 criminal charges, including 327 felonies, following a wide-ranging investigation into the facility’s operations and animal welfare. The indictment, unsealed recently, follows an extensive probe where law enforcement discovered significant quantities of illegal drugs, dozens of firearms, and over $1.6 million in cash and financial instruments at the park.
The charges against Tenney include multiple counts of second-degree animal neglect, unlawful possession of controlled substances, and racketeering. His arraignment took place recently, marking a significant escalation in the legal proceedings that began with widespread concerns about the condition of the animals housed at the popular, yet increasingly scrutinized, tourist attraction.
Investigation Unearths Troubling Discoveries
The investigation, spearheaded by the Oregon State Police in conjunction with multiple local, state, and federal agencies, culminated in search warrants being executed at the West Coast Game Park Safari in mid-May. The initial impetus for the extensive search stemmed from ongoing inquiries into the welfare of the animals at the park, which had been operating since 1968. Federal inspectors, including those from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, had previously raised concerns about the facility for years, citing numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Reports detailed issues such as underfed animals, a lack of proper veterinary care, unsanitary enclosures, and missing documentation for animal sales and deaths.
During the extensive searches, law enforcement officers made several alarming discoveries that expanded the scope of the investigation beyond animal welfare. Authorities reported finding approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, eight grams of cocaine, and a cache of 44 firearms, notably including one weapon modified into a machine gun. Alongside these illicit items, investigators also uncovered a substantial amount of cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates totaling approximately $1.6 million.
Animal Welfare Crisis and Relocation Efforts
The plight of the animals at West Coast Game Park Safari was a central focus of the investigation. Prior to the indictment, authorities had already seized over 300 animals from the facility. These animals were subsequently relocated to accredited animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities across the country, where they are receiving much-needed veterinary care, proper nutrition, and species-appropriate environments.
Tragically, the condition of some animals necessitated their euthanasia. Veterinarians evaluated several animals, and a camel, a chicken, and a kinkajou were put down due to severe medical conditions and poor health, deemed untreatable or too severe to survive transport. Images released by the Oregon State Police depicted the harrowing state of some animals, with one lion visibly emaciated, its ribs and bones protruding through its skin. The park’s history includes documented instances of neglect, such as a tiger found stored in a freezer and animals exhibiting significant muscle wasting.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Context
The indictment against Brian Tenney, 53, includes charges ranging from felony animal neglect to racketeering, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He was initially arrested in late May on drug-related charges, including methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution, and was later released on bail. The recent grand jury indictment supersedes these initial charges, consolidating the alleged offenses into a comprehensive case.
Edith Beckner, a 30-year-old employee of the park, has also been named as a co-defendant, facing a separate indictment with numerous similar charges. Concerns about the park’s operations and animal welfare had been voiced by the public and animal advocacy groups, such as PETA, for years, contributing to the sustained pressure on authorities to act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had cited the park repeatedly for Animal Welfare Act violations, highlighting a pattern of neglect that spanned several years.
The closure of West Coast Game Park Safari marks the end of an era for the Bandon landmark, which had been a fixture on the southern Oregon coast since the late 1960s. The extensive legal proceedings and the stark discoveries made during the investigation have shed a harsh light on the serious allegations of animal cruelty and illegal activities at the facility, prompting a significant response from law enforcement and animal welfare organizations. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the alleged mistreatment of animals and upholding standards of care within wildlife facilities. The outcome of these charges will undoubtedly shape future oversight and regulations for such establishments in Oregon and beyond.
This Oregon news story highlights a critical intersection of animal welfare concerns and criminal activity.
