310 animals seized from West Coast Game Park as owner faces drug charges

BANDON, Ore. — The owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari in Bandon is not behind bars after being found with illegal drugs and guns.

52-year-old Brian Tenney was arrested and transported to the Coos County Jail on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution.

Coos County Sheriff Gabe Fabrizio says the Sheriff’s Office had to release Tenney because the drugs found need to be tested before they can hold Tenney in the jail.

It’s important to note that Tenney has not been charged with any crimes regarding the treatment of the 310 animals formerly housed at the safari.

Our sister station in Portland spoke with advocates for animals following Tenney’s arrest.

“It’s also extremely frustrating. You know how long have these animals suffered; they’ve been suffering for at least a year that we know about,” says Nicole Johnson, an animals rights advocate.

Along with the drugs, police found 44 guns, one that was modified into a machine gun, and close $1.6 million.

As for what’s next for Tenney, Sheriff Fabrizio says, “It’s incumbent on us to not only prove guilt but to prove innocence, so we will investigate this from all angles and make sure we have an accurate and true picture before any kind of prosecution goes forward.”

The investigation into Tenney and the West Coast Game Park Safari is ongoing.