Wyoming Prosecutors Still Weighing Felony Animal Cruelty Charges in Wolf Case

One year after Cody Roberts’ widely condemned treatment of a juvenile wolf in western Wyoming, prosecutors are still determining whether to file felony animal cruelty charges, Wyo File reports.

The Sublette County investigation remains active, despite delays caused by higher-priority cases and the involvement of outside forensic analysis.

The case gained international attention in early 2024 when Roberts, a Daniel resident, allegedly used a snowmobile to seriously injure a wolf before bringing the wounded animal into a local bar. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department responded to the February 29 incident and fined Roberts $250 for possession of the wolf, though steeper penalties could have been pursued.

At the time, Game and Fish officials stated that Wyoming’s animal cruelty laws did not apply to predatory animals like wolves. However, Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich launched a separate investigation to determine whether existing statutes could support additional charges.

Melinkovich confirmed this week that the case remains open.

“It is still active,” he said.

Melinkovich noted that investigations involving third-party labs take time. He added that his office has been handling other pressing cases, including a recent high-profile murder, which has delayed progress.

In Wyoming, felony animal cruelty applies when someone “knowingly, and with intent to cause death or undue suffering, beats with cruelty, tortures, torments or mutilates an animal.” The law carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The key legal question is whether the law covers predatory wildlife outside of hunting situations. Melinkovich believes it does, arguing that while the Wyoming Criminal Code exempts predatory animals from cruelty protections in hunting, it does not allow for intentional abuse.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, citing the ongoing investigation, declined to comment.

The controversy surrounding Roberts’ actions led to a change in state law. On Monday, Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 275, also known as the “clean kill bill.” Sponsored by Rep. Andrew Byron (R-Jackson), the law clarifies that it is illegal to torture, torment, mutilate, or cause undue suffering to wildlife in someone’s possession, including predatory species.

First-time violations under the new law are misdemeanors, while repeat offenses can result in felony charges. However, because the law takes effect on July 1, it does not apply to Roberts’ case.

Paul Ulrich, co-founder of Wyoming Sportsmanship, helped push for the bill’s passage.

“Our goal was to ensure our statutes reflect our ethical philosophy, and I think that was achieved,” he said.

Despite the new law, some advocates argue that Wyoming still needs stricter regulations. The case highlighted the state’s long-standing allowance of certain hunting methods, including the legal practice of using snowmobiles to chase and strike coyotes and other wildlife.

Rep. Mike Schmid (R-La Barge) attempted to pass legislation banning this practice, but his proposals failed.

“A lot of people in Wyoming agree we have more work to do,” Ulrich said.

Meanwhile, Roberts has not publicly commented on the incident. As prosecutors continue their review, his account of what happened remains unknown.