A shocking animal cruelty case in Wyoming has sparked nationwide outrage after a man allegedly paraded a muzzled, injured wolf inside a local bar. The accused, Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming, appeared in court this week to enter his plea.
The disturbing incident, which took place earlier this year, has reignited debate over Wyoming’s wildlife protection laws and how they apply to wolves.
Court Appearance and Charges
On Monday, Cody Roberts pleaded not guilty to a felony animal cruelty charge during his first court appearance.
According to reports from The Pinedale Roundup, Roberts appeared remotely from Laramie while the courtroom proceedings were held in Rock Springs at the Sweetwater County District Court.
The charges stem from an incident on February 29, 2024, which led to a grand jury indictment on August 20 in Sublette County.
Incident Details
Court documents and local news sources describe a disturbing sequence of events. Roberts allegedly ran over a wild wolf with a snowmobile, causing serious injuries.
Instead of reporting the animal, he reportedly bound its muzzle with tape, attached a shock collar and GPS tracker, and brought the animal into the Green River Bar.
Eyewitness videos show Roberts leaning down and kissing the wounded wolf as it lay helpless on the bar floor — an act that shocked animal advocates nationwide.
Potential Penalties
Under Wyoming law, a felony conviction for animal cruelty carries serious consequences. If found guilty, Roberts faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
| Charge | Maximum Prison Term | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Felony Animal Cruelty | 2 Years | $5,000 |
Public Reaction and Legal Debate
The case has reignited heated discussions about Wyoming’s treatment of wolves, especially under current state classifications.
In much of Wyoming, wolves are labeled as predators, which means they are not fully protected by the state’s animal cruelty laws.
Critics argue this legal loophole allows inhumane acts against wolves to go unpunished. Animal welfare groups have condemned the incident, calling for stronger wildlife protections and clearer definitions in Wyoming’s predator control policies.
Next Court Date and Ongoing Monitoring
Roberts’ next hearing is scheduled for March 9 in the Ninth Judicial District Court. Animal rights organizations have stated they will continue monitoring the proceedings closely to ensure justice is served.
This case is expected to be a major test of Wyoming’s wildlife law enforcement and could potentially influence future legislative reforms regarding predator species.
The Cody Roberts wolf cruelty case has highlighted deep divisions over animal rights and predator management in Wyoming. As the court case unfolds, it raises important questions about human responsibility toward wildlife, the limits of state laws, and how far society should go to ensure that even predators are treated with compassion and respect.
