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Wyoming Man Gets 18 Months’ Probation in Wolf Cruelty Case

The case clarifies Wyoming law on cruelty after a predator is taken into possession.

Overview

  • Cody Roberts, who was sentenced Wednesday, received 18 months of supervised probation with a suspended prison term of up to two years.
  • The court ordered a $1,000 fine plus fees and barred him from alcohol, bars, hunting and fishing during probation, with treatment, DNA sampling and limits on dangerous weapons also required.
  • Prosecutors said he ran down a wolf with a snowmobile on Feb. 29, 2024, taped its jaws, took it into the Green River Bar in Daniel, and later killed it.
  • Public outcry after photos and video spread turned a $250 citation into further action in 2025, when lawmakers passed HB0275 to punish torture after possession and a grand jury indicted him for felony cruelty.
  • The judge said state law permits killing predators but not keeping one alive to torment, and animal-welfare groups are now urging a Snowmobiles Are Not Weapons Act to ban vehicle chases of wildlife.