On the morning of May 15, Oregon State Police, alongside a collaboration of local, state, and federal partners, initiated multiple search warrants on the West Coast Game Park Safari, located just outside of Bandon, Oregon. This intervention follows a detailed criminal inquiry scrutinizing the park's handling of animals and its business operations. As specialists combed through the facility, the focus was clear – safeguarding the welfare of the animals was paramount.
The investigative effort drew expertise from the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture – each organization playing a crucial role in examining the conditions in which these animals were kept. According to an update published on May 16th, each species' dietary needs were assessed and met with fresh feed, a task facilitated by the collaborative purchase of food and on-the-ground support by agency staff. However, amidst the assessment, a camel displaying multiple severe conditions was humanely euthanized on-site due to a prognosis that suggested any attempt at treatment, or even transportation, would likely be fatal.
Specifics regarding the duration of the investigation or the nature of the criminal allegations remain undisclosed due to the ongoing inquiry. Nevertheless, statements obtained by the Oregon State Police point to a wide-ranging probe into permitting, licensing, and the general business conduct of the game park. Such a task has warranted the collaboration of several agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Coos County District Attorney’s Office, who bring their respective regulatory and prosecutorial expertise to the table.
While operations at the safari have been suspended, and the public advised to steer clear of the facility, transportation plans for the relocated animals are already in motion. The handling of the animals post-seizure is set with precision, ensuring that they are transferred to reputable sanctuaries and facilities adept at delivering specialized veterinary care. The preplanning for the operation had accounted for the relocation of all seized animals.
The breadth of this initiative is characterized not just by its immediate actions but by the meticulous preoperative planning. This deep-rooted coordination signifies a resolute commitment to dispelling any shadow of malpractice within the realm of wildlife care. Further information is anticipated as the investigation progresses, with a follow-up news release promised for the day following the initial search warrants.
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