Petition Grows After Drugs and Starving Animals Found at Oregon Roadside Zoo

A disturbing investigation in Bandon, Oregon is sparking fresh outrage over roadside zoos and their long-documented mistreatment of animals. According to Justin Higginbottom of Jefferson Public Radio, police arrested Brian Tenney, owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari, after discovering meth, cocaine, 44 firearms (including a converted machine gun), and approximately $1.6 million in cash and financial instruments on the zoo’s property.

The raid followed a months-long probe into alleged animal cruelty. USDA inspection reports cited the facility for dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act, with evidence including malnourished lions, filthy enclosures, missing animals, and even a dead tiger found stored in a food container. Tenney, now facing multiple drug-related charges, was released from jail pending further investigation, while authorities moved hundreds of animals to sanctuaries last week.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, facilities like this often lack proper veterinary care, keep animals in overcrowded cages, and exploit them for profit — all while dodging meaningful regulation. These issues aren’t limited to Oregon. The now-infamous Tiger King case shed light on how some roadside zoos in the U.S. have been linked to fraud, animal trafficking, and violence. As reported by National Geographic, such places can become fronts for criminal activity under the guise of wildlife Conservation.

This latest case is a reminder that animal exploitation often hides in plain sight. Don’t be fooled by caged photo ops or “pet-a-cub” gimmicks. Real sanctuaries don’t sell tickets — they save lives. It’s time to sign petitions, pressure lawmakers, and stop supporting cruelty marketed as entertainment.

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Ban Colorado Man Who Starved a Mama Dog and Her Puppies to Death
• Petition: Ban Animal Ownership for Man Behind Horrific Arkansas Neglect Case – Act Now for Justice
• Petition: Demand Justice for Sweetpea the Puppy – Ban Her Alleged Attacker From Owning Animals for Life

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•  How Zoos are Distorting Our View of the Natural World
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