This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Outrage has continued to grow over a heartbreaking incident in Wyoming, where a man injured a young wolf with his snowmobile and proceeded to prolong her suffering by parading her at a local bar before killing her. Support the ousting of anti-predator policies and demand law enforcement bring cruelty charges.
 

On February 29, 2024, Cody Roberts injured a young wolf with his snowmobile and then brought her to his home in Daniels. He then showed up at the Green River Bar with the mortally injured wolf, whose mouth had been taped shut. Roberts had also reportedly placed a commercial tracking and shock collar on the wolf and is alleged to have later fatally shot her behind the bar.

Witnesses reported the incident to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, which launched an investigation on March 1.

Appallingly, the agency only issued Roberts a fine of $250.

While gray wolves have recently only had mixed protections as endangered species across most of the lower 48, those in the Northern Rockies have been fully left out in the cold. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declined to reinstate Endangered Species Act protections for these wolves just days before this killing occurred.

In Wyoming, hunters can kill wolves without a license year-round across most of the state in nearly any manner, including using snowmobiles to chase and run them down as in this horrific case.

While Wyoming wildlife officials decry Roberts' brutalizing of the wolf, they appear to be more concerned with the impact this could have on the state's wolf policies. Wyoming's long-held hostility to wolves is rooted in ranching which is hostile to wild horses too. Despite the enormous ecological benefits wolves bring, these predators and many others are vilified and killed to protect profits.

While Wyoming wildlife officials state that there are no statutory or regulatory protections for wolves, the state animal cruelty statute applies to predators if they are hunted, captured, or killed in an unlawful manner. Since Roberts was cited for unlawful possession of live wildlife, he should be made to feel the full force of Wyoming's animal cruelty laws.

The Sublette County Sheriff's Office hasn't commented on the case yet, but stated that it's working with the Sublette County Attorney's Office, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department to gather further evidence about this case.

We at In Defense of Animals are calling for the following:

1. The enactment of animal cruelty regulations that explicitly include wildlife, imposing harsh penalties for those who commit acts of cruelty against animals like the wolf in this case, so something like this can never happen without consequences again.

2. A ban on "wolf whacking," the use of snowmobiles, dogs, and wire snares in hunting and killing wildlife, and the abolition of the “predator zone” as they enable individuals to pursue and capture animals with ease, leading to instances of extreme cruelty and suffering.

3. Charge Roberts with animal cruelty. Because Roberts was cited for unlawful "possession of live wildlife," Wyoming's animal cruelty laws apply — this predator was clearly captured and killed in an unlawful manner. Roberts should be made to feel the full force of this law's penalties.

4. Charge the owners of the Green River Bar for allowing this terrible cruelty to occur without censure on their premises.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Animal Cruelty Charges Pursued, Enactment of Animal Cruelty Regulations Specific to Wildlife, and a Ban on Snowmobile Use in Wildlife Killing

I am writing to you with deep concern and urgency regarding a recent incident of egregious animal cruelty that has shocked people all around the world. On March 1, 2024, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department received a disturbing anonymous tip concerning Cody Roberts, a resident of Daniel, WY. The report indicated that Roberts had been in possession of a live wolf on February 29, setting off a chain of events that exposed a harrowing tale of animal abuse.

Further investigation into the incident revealed a disturbing narrative. Roberts, while out hunting on his snowmobile, intentionally pursued and captured a young wolf. Despite leaving the wolf severely injured, Roberts brought the suffering animal home, where he subjected her to unspeakable cruelty, including restraining her, gagging her with tape, and inflicting further torment.

After his heinous actions, Roberts allegedly proceeded with his evening as if nothing had occurred, indulging in dinner and even taking a nap. Upon awakening, he checked on the still-living wolf before taking her in his truck to a local bar, the Green River Bar, where patrons joined in tormenting and ridiculing the helpless creature. Ultimately, Roberts callously ended the wolf's suffering by shooting her dead behind the bar.

Despite the severity of the cruelty inflicted upon the wolf, Roberts faced only a small fine of $250 for the possession of live wildlife. This lenient penalty has caused international outrage and fails to reflect the gravity of his actions. Inaction sends a dangerous message that extreme animal cruelty is tolerated and even encouraged in Wyoming.

Furthermore, the current legal framework falls short in addressing such acts of animal cruelty when it comes to wildlife. Animal cruelty statutes apply only to domestic animals such as farmed animals and pets, and a "predatory animal," such as a wolf in Sublette County, is explicitly excluded under normal “lawful” hunting activities. The existing laws are simply inadequate in providing justice for acts of extreme cruelty against wild animals.

Therefore, I urge you to take swift and decisive action to address this issue. Specifically, I call upon you to:

1. Support/enact animal cruelty regulations that explicitly include wildlife, imposing harsh penalties for those who commit acts of cruelty against animals like the wolf in this case.

2. Support/act to ban "wolf whacking," the use of snowmobiles, dogs, and wire snares in hunting and killing wildlife, and abolish the “predator zone” as they enable individuals to pursue and capture animals with ease, leading to instances of extreme cruelty and suffering.

3. Support/charge Roberts with animal cruelty. Because Roberts was cited for unlawful "possession of live wildlife," Wyoming’s animal cruelty laws apply — this predator was clearly captured or killed in an unlawful manner. Roberts should be made to feel the full force of this law’s penalties.

4. Charge the owners of the Green River Bar for allowing this terrible cruelty to occur without censure on their premises.

It is imperative that you send a clear message that extreme animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Wyoming.

Millions of people visit Wyoming to enjoy wild animals alive and they have brought over $1.1 billion in revenue and over 11,000 jobs annually thanks to national park visitors alone.

By themselves, wolves are estimated to bring in $65.5 million annually.

The state must uphold strong ethical standards for the treatment of wild animals, and robust legislation is needed to ensure that those who commit acts of cruelty are held accountable for their actions.

I urge you to take immediate action on this matter to prevent further instances of animal cruelty and to protect the welfare of wild animals in Wyoming. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.