OSP says 310 animals have been seized, relocated from West Coast Game Park Safari; three others were euthanized
(Update: OSP issues new info, tally of seized animals)
BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon State Police said Tuesday that 310 animals have been seized and relocated from the West Coast Game Park Safari, where a raid took place last Thursday after a lengthy criminal investigation. Three others were euthanized due to their condition.
Their latest release is below.
On Sunday, May 18, just before 10 p.m., investigators concluded their search of the West Coast Game Park Safari and cleared the area. As a result of the search, 310 animals were seized and relocated to accredited and/or permitted animal sanctuary or rescue facilities.
No animals were released into the wild or unattended as a result of the search warrants.
Unfortunately, due to their physical condition, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. This is in addition to the camel that was euthanized on the first day of the search (and is not the young camel featured in the previously distributed photograph).
Investigators are now processing all of the evidence obtained during their four-day search of the property. Due to the ongoing investigation and future adjudication of the case, no further information is available for release.
Oregon State Police thanks our partners and the multiple animal sanctuary and rescue organizations who assisted during the multiday incident. These efforts would not have been possible or successful without their continued assistance.
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Earlier OSP update:
Update: Animal care specialists continue assessing animal welfare at West Coast Game Park Safari
A complete inventory and forensic assessment of animals is continuing today and seized animals will be transported to appropriate, reputable facilities where they will receive specialized veterinary care. The preplanning for the operation accounted for the relocation of all seized animals.
Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture evaluated animal welfare on scene. This assessment includes an animal’s physical condition, food quality, water supply, sanitation, enclosure conditions, and care sufficient to preserve their health and well-being.
Animal care has been a primary consideration during the investigation. Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species. The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.
During initial assessments on Thursday, May 15, one camel was diagnosed with multiple serious medical conditions and suffering. Onsite veterinary staff determined the animal’s condition was sufficiently grave and treatment or transportation would likely result in death. Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was the appropriate option.
On May 15th, the Wild Game Safari Park near Bandon was served multiple search warrants following a lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations, according to Oregon State Police.
It comes just months after an extremely critical report by U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. KTVZ News was one of the few outlets in Oregon to report on the USDA's inspection.
Since then, it appears the Oregon State Police have been criminally investigating the popular game park.
West Coast Game Park Safari was visited by Oregon State Police in coordination with multiple local, state, and federal partners. Agencies searched for evidence related to animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.
In a Thursday morning release, OSP said:
"Oregon State Police is working in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, and the IRS Criminal Investigation. Participating agencies provide regulatory oversight or bring specialized expertise in animal care to assist investigators with evaluating evidence gathered during the property search."
The park is closed while investigations continue. No further information is available at this time, but Oregon State Police tell KTVZ News they expect to have more information on Friday.
