Wyoming – Cody Roberts entered a guilty plea to felony animal cruelty charges after striking a wolf with a snowmobile, muzzling it, and displaying the injured animal in a rural bar before killing it.[1][2]
A Predator Hunt Turns Controversial
The episode unfolded on February 29, 2024, in Sublette County, a remote area where wolves hold predator status under state law. Roberts, a 44-year-old local trucking company owner, pursued the gray wolf on private land using his snowmobile. He struck the animal repeatedly until it lay barely conscious, then taped its mouth shut and leashed it.[2]
Roberts transported the wolf to the Green River Bar in Daniel, a tiny community of about 150 residents. Witnesses watched as the limping creature entered reluctantly, collapsed against a wall, and remained prone on the floor. Roberts posed for photos and videos, even attempting to kiss the growling animal while holding a beer. Later, he carried it outside like a baby and shot it.[3][4]
From Fine to Felony Indictment
Wyoming Game and Fish officials initially fined Roberts $250 for illegal possession of wildlife, viewing wolves as exempt from cruelty statutes in predator zones. Photos and videos spread rapidly online, igniting international condemnation and scrutiny of the state’s lax predator management rules. Local prosecutors pursued further action despite challenges in gathering witness statements amid public pressure.[1]
A grand jury convened in August indicted Roberts on felony animal cruelty, a rare step in Wyoming. He pleaded not guilty, and attorneys debated whether hunting exemptions shielded his actions. District Judge Richard Lavery ruled the prolonged torment fell outside legal protections, setting a trial for early March 2026.[4]
Remorse Echoes in Pinedale Courtroom
On March 5, 2026, Roberts appeared before Judge Lavery in Sublette County Courthouse, dressed in a suit and appearing stoic. Prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich recounted the bar scene, noting the wolf’s immobility and Roberts’ handling. Roberts affirmed the description as “pretty close” without dispute.[2]
The defendant then addressed the court. “I sincerely regret my actions and apologize to the community and my family,” Roberts stated. He expressed hope for healing and moving forward. His attorney, Robert Piper, highlighted compliance with bond conditions, including surrendering firearms.[3]
Key Elements of the Plea Agreement
The deal, signed in mid-February, spares Roberts a trial and potential two-year prison term plus $5,000 fine. Instead, it proposes a suspended sentence with strict terms. Judge Lavery accepted the guilty plea but deferred final approval pending a pre-sentencing investigation.[1]
- 18 months supervised probation
- $1,000 fine plus possible surcharges
- Ban on alcohol, bars, and liquor stores
- No hunting, fishing, or shed antler collecting
- Mandatory addiction treatment if recommended
- Felony status bars firearm possession, impacting hunting and outfitting
Violation risks full incarceration. Lavery noted over 5,000 emails and countless calls to his office but maintained impartiality by ignoring them.[2]
Key Takeaways
- The case marks a rare felony cruelty conviction for wolf handling in Wyoming’s predator areas.
- Roberts avoids prison but loses gun rights, a significant penalty locally.
- Public outcry prompted legislative tweaks to wildlife cruelty laws post-incident.
This resolution tempers two years of division in Sublette County while underscoring tensions over predator protections. Sentencing looms as a test of accountability. What do you think about the plea outcome? Tell us in the comments.
