OSP takes up investigation of Bend wildlife rehab facility

An investigation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife of a Central Oregon wildlife rehabilitation center has been turned over to the Oregon State Police.

Investigators are looking into allegations of animal neglect and permitting violation involving High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, OSP Public Information Officer Capt. Bill Fugate told NewsChannel 21 Thursday.

The facility’s former veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Cooney, gave up his wildlife rehab permit last month.

Michelle Dennehy, ODFW wildlife communication coordinator, said without a veterinarian holding such permit, the rehab facility can’t take, hold or rehabilitate native wildlife.

The state wildlife agency paid visits to the property on Aug. 16 and again two days later.

Fugate said OSP received the report Aug. 22 and the agency’s fish and wildlife troopers will begin conducting interviews.

“The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife notified us of these potential criminal allegations, and we have fish and wildlife troopers around the state that are specialized in conducting animal neglect type of investigations,” Fugate said.

ODFW said they still can’t release a copy of the inspection report because of the potential criminal investigation.

Reese Mercer, a board member of High Desert Wildlife and Rehab, declined our request for an on-camera interview about these recent allegations, and referred us to the statement the organization submitted to NewsChannel 21 last month.

Here’s the text of that statement:

HDW did not ‘give up’ its rehabilitation permit. The facility operated under Dr. Jeff Cooney’s individual permit issued by the state.

Concerned about Mr. Cooney’s permit status as well as other concerns, on August 11th 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 2 weeks ago allow room for HDW to continue its mission serving the wildlife and people of Central Oregon, now and into the future