Oregon State Police Capt. Bill Fugate confirmed Friday his agency has opened a criminal investigation into the High Desert Wildlife center.
The investigation, Fugate said, centers on animal neglect and permit violations.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife permits wildlife rehabilitators; the center’s co-founder, Dr. Jeff Cooney, gave up his permit in August. Cooney could not be reached for comment, nor could co-founder Jeannette Bonomo.
ODFW visited the center Aug. 16, took most of its animals and either released them into the wild, transferred them to nearby wildlife centers or euthanized them.
The center shut down after that.
Fugate said ODFW notified OSP about the center last week but said he didn’t know how long the investigation might go on. He said when it’s complete he expects OSP will turn over its investigation to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.
In the meantime, the center, a converted home off Neff Road in northeast Bend, is not permitted to receive any further wildlife or rehabilitation cases.
A former volunteer told The Bulletin last month that she stopped working at the center because she was frustrated by the disorganized, chaotic and unclean environment. She described problems like bird enclosures too small for their inhabitants and times when birds died of starvation or dehydration.
A Friday post on the center’s Facebook page stated it had met with ODFW’s wildlife team Thursday “about next steps with permits.” The post noted ODFW “agreed the facility could sure use some love for move forward. Our planned September work parties will be first step in getting us there!”
An earlier post stated the center had planned work parties this month to help clean and reorganize the facility.
A recorded message on the wildlife center’s phone line says the center is “on a short break” and stated the center will reopen to the public in September, offering contacts for local wildlife rescue alternatives. An email to board member Dr. Byron Maas was not returned Friday, and the message at the facility didn’t allow for a voicemail Friday.
In August, the organization provided a statement to KTVZ saying the facility operated under Cooney’s individual permit and that the board removed Cooney from the organization amid concerns about his permit status and other issues.
“A transition plan for the organization is underway, and (the center) has recently contracted with another veterinarian,” the statement to KTVZ reads. “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.”
It ends by noting the changes were put in place by the board to make sure it continues to serve Central Oregon’s wildlife and people.
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