BEND, OR -- A Deschutes County Grand Jury has indicted two people associated with the former High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, in Bend. Jeanette Bonomo and Dr. Jeffrey Cooney face 19 counts of Animal Neglect and three counts of Wildlife Law violations.
They’re accused of failing to provide minimum care for numerous animals, including hawks, eagles and owls, resulting in the animals getting injured. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife inspectors visited the site in August 2016 after receiving complaints from volunteers at the center. ODFW staff removed the animals based on their physical condition; some had to be euthanized.
In a statement, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said, "Oregon is committed to caring for wildlife at a high standard and we appreciate the level of care ODFW showed these animals and the thoroughness and professionalism of the Oregon State Police's investigation." Bonomo and Dr. Cooney are due in court September 12.
Photo: Dr. Cooney treats a raptor at the center in 2015
