DANIEL, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – Wyoming recently made its way into headlines across the globe after news broke of a man in Sublette County who had taken a wolf he had run over with a snowmobile into a bar in Daniel, Wyoming. After showing the animal off, he went behind the bar, where he killed and allegedly tortured the wolf.
The suspect, Cody Roberts, was issued a citation for being in possession of a live animal and fined $250 by Wyoming Game and Fish.
The incident has resulted in public outcry from individuals and animal rights organizations across the country. Many are asking, why hasn’t more been done?
Kristin Combs, the executive director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates says, “This has really opened up a view into the crack of where our laws are falling short.”
Sublette County attorney Clayton Melinkovich says that the language used in Wyoming’s animal abuse laws prohibit prosecutors from charging an otherwise lawful trapper with a violation.
Wolves are classified as predatory animals, which are not protected by Wyoming animal abuse laws.
It is lawful for a person to hunt predators using several types of vehicles, including those designed to travel over snow. The intentional killing of a predatory animal using those methods does not constitute animal abuse in the state of Wyoming.
Wyomingites are calling on the State Legislature to find solutions that live up to the expectations and values of those who live here.
With the world’s eyes on Wyoming, animal rights activists say now is the time to act.
Jess Johnson is the government affairs director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. She says, “We are looking for something that is good for everybody, including the wolf, and moves forward in a way that is sustainable. That happens from conversations, and sitting at the table, finding compromises and having a discussion about maybe where the state is lacking, and maybe where we’re not.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis asserts that the alleged torture is not representitive of the Wyoming way, and that this incident will spark change on the state level. She said, “I’m actually glad to see Wyoming people rising up and condemning this… I know the Wyoming Legislature will do the right thing and address this in a way that is satisfactory to the legitimate outcries of Wyoming people.”
Wyoming State Legislature’s Agricultural and Travel, Recreation and Wildlife committees will have final say over the rules and regulations regarding wildlife and animal cruelty. Altering existing laws can be a long process, but advocates believe that good policy takes time and collaborative effort.
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