Federal Indictment Shakes Wyoming: Man Accused in Horrific Wolf Abuse Case

A Wyoming man is now facing federal charges, reigniting a firestorm of public outrage and drawing national attention to a deeply disturbing incident involving a wolf. Cody Roberts, of Daniel, Wyoming, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the unlawful taking of a wolf, an escalation from initial state charges that comes after widespread condemnation of his alleged actions.

The incident, which first came to light in February 2024, described a horrific chain of events.

Roberts is accused of intentionally running over a wolf with a snowmobile in Sublette County. Rather than leaving the injured animal, reports indicate he then muzzled the suffering wolf's mouth and brought it into a local bar, where it was allegedly displayed before being killed. The details of this event sent shockwaves across social media and news outlets, prompting an outpouring of anger and demands for justice from animal welfare advocates and the general public alike.

Initially, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department investigated the incident and issued Roberts a citation for possessing a live wolf illegally.

However, many felt this misdemeanor charge was insufficient given the egregious nature of the alleged cruelty. The case quickly gained national prominence, with organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) calling for federal intervention and stronger penalties.

The recent federal indictment underscores the gravity of the situation.

In Sublette County, where the incident occurred, wolves are classified as a 'trophy game animal,' meaning they are managed by the state and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. This classification makes the unlawful taking of a wolf a federal offense, carrying a potential penalty of up to a year in prison and a substantial fine of $100,000.

This is a significant step beyond the initial state-level misdemeanor, reflecting the severity of the alleged wildlife violation.

The public outcry following the incident also prompted legislative action within Wyoming. Governor Mark Gordon signed a bill into law that significantly increases penalties for animal cruelty, a direct response to the community's demand for stronger legal protections for wildlife.

This case has undoubtedly become a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about wildlife management, animal rights, and the legal repercussions for those who inflict harm upon protected species.

As Cody Roberts prepares to face these federal charges, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Wyoming.

This case is not just about a single incident; it has become a symbol of the broader fight for ethical treatment of animals and the enforcement of laws designed to protect the country's precious wildlife heritage.