He Hit a Wolf with a Snowmobile, Brought It Into a Bar and Killed It. He Won’t Serve Prison Time

A man from Wyoming has received an 18-month probation sentence following a disturbing incident involving a wolf that occurred in February 2024. Cody Roberts, aged 44, pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty after he struck a wolf with a snowmobile, subsequently taped its mouth shut, and brought the injured animal into a bar, where he killed it. This shocking case has ignited widespread outrage and led to renewed scrutiny over the state’s laws regarding wolves.

Roberts, who appeared before Sublette County District Judge Richard Lavery, was also fined £1,000 as part of his sentencing. The conditions of his probation include a ban on alcohol consumption, entering bars or liquor stores, as well as restrictions on hunting and fishing activities. By accepting a plea deal, Roberts managed to avoid the possibility of a two-year prison sentence and a £5,000 fine, as he had initially pleaded not guilty. A trial had been scheduled for March but was subsequently dismissed following the plea change.

Accounts from prosecutors detail that the incident unfolded when Roberts struck the wolf with his snowmobile before restraining it by taping its mouth. He then transported the injured animal to a remote bar, where it was filmed lying on the floor in a vulnerable state. Eyewitnesses at the bar reported Roberts to local game wardens, leading to an investigation into the matter.

After bringing the wolf into the bar, Roberts ultimately killed the animal, a decision that further escalated public outrage. During a court hearing in March, Roberts expressed remorse for his actions, stating he regretted the events and apologised to both his family and the community.

The disturbing images and videos from this incident circulated widely on social media, drawing international condemnation and spike in interest regarding the regulations surrounding wolves in Wyoming. Critics have highlighted the possibility for wolves to be hunted without a permit in most areas of the state, with the exception of certain regions such as Yellowstone National Park where they are protected.

Initially, Roberts faced a citation for the illegal possession of a live wolf, which resulted in a minor £250 fine. However, the gravity of the situation escalated when a grand jury later indicted him on charges of felony animal cruelty, as the details of the incident became public.

The case has catalysed discussions about wildlife protection in Wyoming, with animal rights advocates and members of the public denouncing the actions taken by Roberts as both cruel and unnecessary. Calls for reform of existing wildlife laws have been amplified as citizens express concern that current regulations may not adequately protect vulnerable species from harm.

As the incident continues to reverberate throughout the community and beyond, calls for increased scrutiny of wildlife management practices in Wyoming are expected to grow. The broader implications of Roberts’ actions reflect a growing awareness of animal rights issues and the responsibilities humans have in coexisting with wildlife.

In response to the significant backlash, lawmakers and regulatory bodies may find themselves under pressure to revisit and revise wolf management laws to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in harmonising human activities with the preservation of wildlife, and the need for more effective laws to protect animals in vulnerable situations.