Bend wildlife rescue-rehab facility closed amid ODFW investigation

The High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation facility is under investigation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The agency confirmed Tuesday to NewsChannel 21 that High Desert Wildlife recently voluntarily gave up its wildlife rehabilitation permit.

Michelle Dennehy, the agency’s wildlife communication coordinator, said without the permit, the rehab facility can’t take hold or rehabilitate native wildlife.

ODFW wildlife biologist Corey Heath said the Bend office paid visits to the property on Aug. 16 and again two days later.

“Many of the animals have already been removed from the facility, and there is a few small mammals, and we’re looking to find new homes for them,” Dennehy said.

The agency’s focus is on wildlife welfare, so under wildlife rehabilitation permits, there are a variety of rules related to animal care and caging standards, she said.

The department has visited the Bend facility over the past year and a half as part of required inspections to ensure compliance with rehab rules.

They couldn’t tell NewsChannel 21 what kind of complaints they received about the rehab facility due to the ongoing investigation.

In a statement to NewsChannel 21 Tuesday night, High Desert Wildlife said it “did not ‘give up’ its rehabilitation permit. The facility operated under (veterinarian) Dr. Jeff Cooney’s individual permit issued by the state.

“Rather, concerned about Dr. Cooney’s permit status, as well as other concerns, on Aug. 11, the HDW board implemented organizational changes that effectively removed Mr. Cooney from the facility and organization.

“A transition plan for the organization is underway, and HDW has recently contracted with another veterinarian. Permit applications on behalf of the organization (not an individual) are also underway to continue its operations as soon as the permit is granted by state and federal agencies.”

“These changes implemented by HDW’s board two weeks ago allow room for HDW to continue its mission serving the wildlife and people of Central Oregon, now and into the future,” the organization said.

The facility had posted the following note on its Facebook page three days after ODFW visited:

“Wildlife Friends – We are taking a short break at the rehab after our busy baby season, doing organizational and facility cleanup.

“At this time we are not receiving wildlife at the center, but will be reopening to the public in September.

“If you find a sick or injured animal we suggest that you place the animal in a covered box in a quiet area, and contact one of these following 4 different resources immediately:

Sunriver Nature Center (Owls, Hawks or other raptors)
541-593-4394

Wildside Rehab (Furry animals, mammals)
541-389-6012 Judy
541-280-7317 Tracy
541-610-9962 Sandy

Grebe Acres (Birds)
541-728-8208

Animal Emergency Center
541-385-9110

“For down deer unable to get up, please contact authorities at any time of day or night at: 541-693-6911”