Bend veterinarian arraigned on animal neglect charges

A Bend veterinarian was arraigned Tuesday on several animal neglect charges over his role in a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Dr. Jeffrey Cooney and Jeanette Bonomo were indicted earlier this summer on 19 counts of second-degree animal neglect and three charges of violating wildlife law.

All are misdemeanors, except for one animal neglect charge that is a Class C felony.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said the deficient care came to light last August, based on a visit made by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials to the High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center that Cooney and Bonomo ran in Bend. The inspection was prompted by complaints received by the department and local wildlife rehabilitators.

The animals allegedly mistreated by the two include two hawks, three eagles, a peregrine falcon, three owls, five northern flickers, a Canada goose, a robin, a mountain blue bird and an ash-throated flycatcher.

The charges specifically say Cooney and Bonomo failed to provide minimum care to the animals. When the birds were confiscated by the ODFW, the agency said it had to euthanize some of them.

The alleged wildlife law violations include holding wildlife in excess of 180 days, possession of a restricted species and failure to maintain required records.

At Tuesday’s arraignment, Cooney’s plea hearing was scheduled for Oct. 18. Bonomo’s arraignment is set for Wednesday afternoon.

The Wildlife Center has been working to reopen with a new name, Think Wild, and a new staff, board and mission.