The $250 fine that Cody Roberts paid for his now internationally infamous wolf torment incident was not the steepest penalty that Wyoming Game and Fish Department law enforcement could have pursued for his crime.
The warden who cited Roberts for illegal possession of warm-blooded wildlife in March had the authority to instead compel Roberts’ appearance before a judge, where he could have faced up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail if convicted.
That revelation came Tuesday from Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik as he answered questions from fellow members of the Treatment of Predatory Animals working group, which was formed in response to the incident. Prior to Nesvik’s comments Tuesday, there was little, if any, public awareness that Game and Fish could have brought steeper punishment. The agency, instead, suggested in its public statements that it had employed all the tools legally at its disposal.
Roberts is alleged to have run down a yearling female wolf with a snowmobile, attached a muzzle and shock collar to the injured animal and paraded it in a Daniel bar, where it was filmed and photographed, before killing it.
Amid the global fury that exploded in the wake of the event, critics complained Wyoming’s punishment was inadequate given the cruel nature of the behavior.
In Wyoming, it is legal to take wolves, by nearly any means, without a license in predator zones. In addition, there’s a dispute over whether the state’s animal cruelty laws apply to predators like wolves — Game and Fish has taken the position that they do not. Meanwhile, the practice of running down predators using snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles is legal. Those factors, wildlife officials have said, limited their options in the Roberts case.
When asked to explain the judiciary process of a wildlife violation during the working group meeting in Lander, Nesvik, who joined remotely via Zoom, said wardens have several options.
The most common is to issue a forfeitable citation, which means the person can either pay it or plead not guilty and dispute the matter in court. That is what happened with Roberts, who paid.
But for a repeat offense or for a crime the warden believes is “more serious,” he or she has the ability to require a suspect go before a judge and face criminal prosecution, according to Nesvik. “In those cases … oftentimes the warden will make the decision to arrest the person, take them to jail and make them go to court, and they can post the bond and then go to court later.”
Wardens can also work with local law enforcement to press county-level charges, Nesvik said.
Wyoming Stockgrowers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, a working group member, asked a pointed question about the Daniel wolf case: “Did the warden have the option under the current law that he could have required that individual to appear in court?”
“Yes,” Nesvik answered, “the warden in this case could have done that and decided not to.”
The decision to issue a forfeitable citation “was a collective decision made by the wardens and their respective supervisor,” Game and Fish Public Information Officer Breanna Ball told WyoFile in an email Wednesday. “At question in this case was the illegal possession of live wildlife, not animal cruelty or the illegal take of a wolf.”
Roberts was cited under Wyoming statute 23-3-402. He paid the $250 ticket five days later, according to Sublette County Circuit Court records.
Transparency and public outrage
WyoFile did not locate any instances of Game and Fish previously asserting that the $250 fine was the maximum penalty at its disposal. The agency repeatedly cited the role of state law, which is beyond its control, in determining the penalty.
On March 26, in response to an emailed question from KHOL reporter Emily Cohen, who first reported the incident, “What was the citation amount?” Ball replied, “A violation of the Chapter 10 regulation carries a $250 fine and misdemeanor charges.” An April 4 department press release stated that “Misdemeanor fines are set in state statute.”
In an official Game and Fish Commission statement on April 16, the agency’s governor-appointed board stated: “We’re satisfied that every tool we have available was used, and used to the best of our ability. The Department has acted with transparency and in compliance with Wyoming law.”
Later in Tuesday’s meeting, Magagna asked if in the Daniel incident, the warden had the discretion to require Roberts to appear in court, which would have made him subject to higher penalties.
Game and Fish Chief Warden Rick King answered as Nesvik had to leave the meeting early.
“In regards to the penalty, like Director Nesvik explained, game wardens have the discretion to either make a citation forfeitable or ‘must-appear,’” King said. “If they write the citation to be a must-appear citation, that means the defendant has to appear in court, and if they’re found guilty, then the judge can use his discretion in setting a penalty, both a fine and potential jail term. And then the judge has the latitude that’s in the penalty statute to go up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail for a low misdemeanor.”
Ball confirmed the leeway allowed to wardens. “Game and Fish law enforcement officers are given the discretion to consider the facts and circumstances before them and make a decision,” she wrote.
Reporting indicates that Nesvik and King’s Tuesday testimony were the first admissions in a public forum that the agency could have pursued more severe punishment.
Pushes for reform
When the wolf incident was publicized about a month after it occurred, it spread like wildfire and provoked fierce and widespread condemnation and a boycott of Wyoming. The state temporarily halted tourism promotion as a result.
The outrage that Wyoming laws did not penalize Roberts further contributed to the creation of the working group. The Legislature’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee created the group in May to examine current state penalties regarding predators.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, a member of the working group, said that from his perspective, “this event alone probably did change the viewpoint of game wardens and how they might handle a citation from this point and going forward. It certainly would for any of our inspectors.
“Just generally speaking, I think, job done on that front,” Miyamoto said.
The group on Tuesday agreed to draft bill language that would make it illegal to allow taken animals — regardless of whether they are predators — to suffer or live unduly before dispatching them. It did not take action on the practice of running down predators with snowmobiles, however.
Cody Roberts is not just a predator of animals; he is the real menace, not the wolf. The wolf is not the ruthless killer some make it out to be—it is simply surviving in the wild. But Cody Roberts? He is the boy who kicked the dog growing up, the one who found pleasure in cruelty, and now, as an adult, has escalated his barbarity. If he can do this to a helpless animal, there is no doubt in my mind that he is capable of harming a human being—perhaps he already has. Even more shameful are the bystanders who stood back, watched, or even reveled in his depravity. If just one person in that bar had a shred of decency, they could have spoken up, called the authorities, and put an end to his sadistic display. Using a snowmobile, tape, and a gun to torture a living creature? That is not hunting; that is pure cowardice. I don’t care if wolves eat livestock—put them down humanely if necessary, but torturing them for sport and bragging about it online is the mark of a true lunatic. What an absolute disgrace, not just to himself but to his family. He should have been locked up—no question about it
Evil. Sociopath. Sadistic. Cody Robert’s gets a slap on the wrist? That darling animal suffered horribly. He is a brute who deserves jail. What women does he also abuse? This is a beast who is dangerous to humanity
We live in Vermont, but my daughter is in Wyo part time every year. We can’t express the disgust at this incident. We hunt, and as hunters I feel this is repulsive. The law needs to cha ge. NO SNOWMOBILES. And has any law enforcement agency gotten this guys DNA and fingerprints? The psychology here is way off. Might be able to solve a cold case or two.
I thought the same thing!
This poor wolf suffer terribly and he didn’t get any justice. It’s one thing to allow killings of wolves but make it a law to humanly kill them. Not allow them to be tortured. A $250 fine isn’t nothing and want so this from happening again. Laws are in place to punish and yet the very ones who are suppose to protect the wildlife did not in this case. I can’t imagine getting pleasure in causing pain like this and feeling good about myself. Lord help us to do better!
It is unbelievable that a person could torture any animal (wild or not) and get away with a small fine. A person who can be that cruel should be seen as a danger to society and be put away for a long time. Open your eyes citizens of Wyoming. The law needs to change.
Cody Roberts needs to go to jail.
He needs to go to jail for a long time so that not only does he know this behavior is unacceptable but everyone else in the state also knows.
The current law needs to be changed. Running down any form of wildlife with a motorized vehicle until it is exhausted is inhumane.
It is beyond cruel and there is no justifiable reason for it other than it’s fun, and if it’s fun that makes it animal cruelty.
This is not rocket science.
Any person with any amount of intelligence knows that this is a terrible way to treat any animal.
The law needs to be changed
Trevor J. Daniels, please read my post on August 23, 2024, above. I do not consider ANYTHING about the abuse pf a juvenile female wolf, to be “funny”. Your ‘LMAO’ is a response that may be expected from those who do not respect animals as sentient beings, nor recognise the rule of law. Working in litigious practice – Criminal and Family Law, taught me many things about humanity AND inhumanity. We see you…..
Why was a more stringent fine not imposed on Cody Roberts after his heinous act of savage cruelty to the wolf & ditto Green River Bar for allowing such perpetration on their premises. The justice system in your country is disgraceful & has put me off ever visiting again.
Lmao gotta love the press. So full of absolute crap. Hey experts “Hope” was a male. He only caught because it was so docile that he could pet it. He thought it could have been a pet until he realized how much trouble having a wolf pet could cause then he humanely put it down. The press will hype a story just like Jonas Black and his 3 bikers. Gotta make that $$$$
I guess it’s a small step forward but I think a lot of us are having a hard time understanding why it’s so hard to make a law that you just shoot an animal dead no other means is OK. Running one over wrapping anything that puts an animal in pain for any amount of time should be unacceptable. As humans we can think we want to be ran over with a snowmobile. Do we want to be left in its crap for days it would probably be pretty painful so why are we OK with letting an animal be in pain?
I live the free state of Arkansas. On occasion I have to, or should say choose to deal with nuisance invasive animals. This is done regrettably and as quickly and humanely as possible. It brings me no JOY. Parading around with a half dead animal is sickening and the behavior of a cruel, selfish and mentally ill person who shouldn’t be allowed to own guns. This bully took time to muzzle and strap on a SHOCK COLLAR. Should have spent the weekend in jail minimum.
Despicable behavior by the bar patrons and staff as well.
Game and Fish Public Information Officer Breanna Ball told WyoFile in an email Wednesday. “At question in this case was the illegal possession of live wildlife, not animal cruelty or the illegal take of a wolf.”
How could animal cruelty not be front and center in this case? Unreal.
Well said James Thompson.
Thank you.
I agree with you totally agree. This man was a coward a bully and a coward. Anyone who has to run an animal down with the snowmobile and then run over it to get his jollies needs to spend a significant amount of time in jail
Blown out of proportion!
Absolutely love my state and thoroughly enjoy the anti tourism push. Stay the hell out of our state if you don’t like have we do things here. Living here isn’t for the weak
Living there isn’t for the weak.. its for the most ignorant..evidently from that comment.
I love Wyoming, but your not the Wyo I grew up with or in.
Gladly.
It is so hard to believe a person could be so cruel to an innocent animal.
A low misdemeanor??!! They need to change brutality like this to a felony. Even 1000 and 6 months in jail is just a slap on the wrist. The good ole boys club of animal cruelty at work is Wyoming
Director Nesvik needs to resign, he and his staff have discredited his agency and the State of Wyoming even further. This agency lacks integrity- and now, credibility. Its time for an investigation by some independent authority.
The legislature must pass robust legislation to stop animal abuse- especially with machines. Cattle ranchers have controlled animal-related legislation to date for many years, and are again on the road to convincing Wyoming lawmakers that somehow- inexplicably- a snowmobile can kill an animal more quickly and more humanely than a bullet or two. Hogwash.
I think the state of Wyoming should be held accountable for their poor decisions. Complete global outrage. Utterly disgusting. I’m ashamed to be a neighbor to Wyoming.
The stock growers association needs to
condemn the “sport” of snow mobiles running down wolves. I understand if a wolf comes onto their “property “ these ranchers need to protect their livestock but the problem is they use “public “ land to feed their livestock and think it their right…I have seen calves standing on the outside of fences on busy highways with their Moms on the other side. Where are these owners if this livestock? . Running down these wolves are cruel and ignorance abounds. Wyoming appears as a “back woods “ state and Cody Robert’s should have faced the full responsibility and blame by the law but didn’t because the game and fish knew him.
What another outright lie from the head of G&F. Is anyone surprised that 5 months later they make this admission?
It is disgusting what happened to that poor animal. The game wardens and Fish and Game should be ashamed of themselves for not enforcing the maximum amount of fine and jail time. I’m glad they are redrafting the language to prevent people from torturing predators before killing them. They should also address running down wolves with snowmobiles. That is cruel.
Absolutely correct!!!
Ranchers and hunters/outfitters comprise a minority of the population, but 100% of this working group. What are ridiculous charade! The group should be comprised primarily of actual experts in wildlife biology and ethics. Instead, every single member of the group has a profound conflict of interest in this matter. The purpose of the group should be to bring the barbaric and archaic wildlife regulations in Wyoming up to at least the 18th century. Instead, they chose to flaunt to the entire world how completely corrupt and incompetent they are. They asked a group of foxes to watch the henhouse. Wyoming is now a global laughingstock and a shame to America.
In some states, law enforcement can confiscate anything used to commit the crime. That would include the snowmobile, gun, and truck he used.
That is true in your neighbor, Utah.
Pays to have friends in high places. You kick or abuse your dog. You going to JAIL. If some one in a bar threatened to clean his clock. They would go to jail as well. Simply because he would run to the law and cry he was scared.
The sad thing is boycotting Wyoming is what everyone in that state wants you doing. My dad grew up in Thermopolis and I spent plenty of my youth in Wyoming. The people there won’t change and people from outside the state staying out is all to welcome. The only way to change this in my opinion is to get new people in there and begin changing the state from the roots up. Funny thing is with the tiny populations it wouldn’t require that many people moving there. And the locals would be more upset about that then a decrease in tourism.
Good Point!!!! I live in Wisconsin, and local people are tired of all the “Flatlanders” moving in around here!!!!!! But, As a guy who has been very close to his hunting dogs, I would never stand by and let this guy abuse that wolf——–
I’m disappointed in what passes for leadership at Wyoming Game/Fish, the Dept of Ag, the legislature, and the committee examining this issue. How could the assertion that the death of an animal should be as quick, painless, and humane as possible be controversial? So really these “leaders” are advocating for continued pursuit and maiming of animals by snowmobile, ATV, truck, etc. This is beyond repulsive.
Torture is torture regardless of what animal it is. I HOPE this hurts Wyoming tourism. I will gladly be giving any and all information on social media. Why doesnt anyone talk about the ranchers getting compensated by the government for lost cattle? It’s ALL A BIG LIE ABOUT THE WOLVES! But so many less desirables living in Wyoming this is what you get.
From what I’ve been reading Wyoming would love to do tourist from coming in their state. Personally who would want to visit them after the way they handle this case and the fact that they are ok with running down wildlife with snowmobile. Certainly not me! They need help mentally.
It should be noted that if the warden had demanded Cody Roberts “must appear” before a judge, the judge may have imposed a fine or perhaps not. There is no guarantee that the judge would have imposed a maximum fine of 1000 dollars or time in jail. Most judges do not impose the maximum penalty unless a defendant has had previous wildlife violations. By writing the ticket the way he did, the warden almost guaranteed that Cody Roberts would pay a fine. That should have been pointed out in the article.
You are absolutely right. There was no guarantee that Roberts would receive anything other than a slap on the wrist. So, I guess we should be thankful that at least he paid $250. A pittance of $$ for the time that all individuals have spent on this crime.
I am also disappointed in the Treatment of Predatory Animals working group’s response to this issue. With the technology that we possess today in high power rifles and optics, there is absolutely no, let me make myself clear, no reason that anyone needs to employ the inhumane tactic of using snow machines to run animals down. Their response disappoints me, but I think we all could have predicted the outcome when the members of the working group were chosen. I am ashamed of their dismal performance in handling this incident.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Wake up Wyoming!
Everyone keeps talking about punishments Cody could have received and didnt and Wyoming itself as a culprit that should be avoided. I want to point out that one individual promoted this outrage with the help of a specific venue–a local bar and its patrons. Why not implement a state- wide shunning movement that would socially and economically penalize Cody ( No, we dont want you un our church, restaurant or bar,) and Daniel as a community? Dont go there. Dont buy there , or anywhere nearby . The community could itself shun the man who shamed it before the world And contribute to wildlife causes. Cody could begin to resurrect himself with an apology and a big contribution. Perhaps some of this is already happening.
Focus on the size of the monetary fine misses the point.
Changing the subject only subverts the real discussion….predator zones and the legitimate and lawful running down animals with a snowmobile.
If you can’t get them to change the law use the current law to your advantage. Lets start a snowmobile club that chases the wolves out of Wyoming back into Colorado where they have some protection?
That wouldn’t work very well Lillian– Wolves are very territorial, and generally want to stay in their own range– However, reintroduced wolves have had some success in Minnesota, and now in Colorado—
Lillian. Just due to your remark. Let’s populate wolves every where. Your Wyoming had them before Colo did. Your wolves came down here naturally. Your cattle grazing does far more damage to my BLM/Federal/state owned land/streams than wolves will do to ranchers cattle. But I not against them grazing at fair market value. I love my hamburger. Now than other side of coin is if ranchers/farmers allowed more controlled access to fishermen/hunters/hikers etc the wolves would move away from human pressure. But they won’t. So wolves will dine on easy prey
Thank-you WyoFile for including the shock collar in the txt and photo. Utterly horrific. This is torture and argues for jail time and court ordered counseling.
The courts inability to punish such cruel behavior tells me WY does not plan to do anything. Just planned my trip to Utah — I cannot spend my vacation money which I do every year in WY till they get some backbone to take action.
It’s been my experience that WY is a blood-red state. Anything on public lands that doesn’t go moo has to go. Rock Springs for instance has come across as horse hating capital. I’ve seen many horse lovers repeatedly say they’ll boycott WY over their stance on wild horses.
The wolf incident was despicable and tragic. Enough said. Readers and newsmongers should turn their attention to school-yard shootings, violence in our communities, mental wellness education and other more far-reaching topics.
I agree to a point but most of these school yard shootings, etc stem from animal abuse. In my opinion and working for 27 plus years with WF&G statistics, most of these individuals who later commit crimes on others/humans, have backgrounds of animal torture to some extent. This incident alone shows that the lack of punishment for animal toruture teaches that it is OK and their sociopathic ideals increase and get worse. All around it is messed up but we need to focus on all of it. 🙂
Mary, why is this either/or? Can’t people care about more than one issue? All social wrongs deserve our attention and need to be addressed.
I’m just not passionate about those things. My solution to that is not having children and being prepared to defend myself. As far as mental illness goes, Im still mourning this little wolves death so maybe I got that mental illness you speak of?
Did you know that people who torture animals have no concern for human life? This action needs to be punished.
Good point , but you dont have school shootings in Wyoming
The fix was in when the members of the subcommittee were chosen – this committee will do everything it can to see that predators can be killed in any manner possible including harassing and repeatedly running them down with snowmobiles. The insistence by the Ag lobby that they must use snowmobiles to exhaust and run down animals is disgraceful. The language put forth for a draft bill is an embarrassment and would be unenforceable.
Linda Burt, that was also my thought when I saw the list of those who were placed on this “select committee” and sure enough, that’s exactly what we got.
Sounds like the good ole boy network is alive and well in Game and Fish. Plus the attitude toward predators is so primitive. The incident was basically poo-pooed until global condemnation set in.
In what humanitarian universe is it condemned to be cruel to some animals but not to others?
Stricter laws have to be implemented, and laws that now exist along with rules and regulations need to be changed to support the predators Nationally, with no loop holes.
Don’t worry Wyoming, you won’t see any of my tourist dollars until you grow a backbone and condemn and publish this type of behavior. Absolutely shameful and disgusting.
Looks like this will continue to be the gift that keeps on giving to Wyoming and its archaic predator policy.
Boycotting just the tourism of WY won’t work. You have to hit them where it really hurts.
The wallet. Boycott Wyoming Beef.
Real simple.
Switch to Bison if you really want to make a statement. We hunt Elk and deer for food. And turkey if they haven’t all been poached.
Killing for sport is sick. And Those who torture animals, won’t blink at doing the same to a person.
Boycot their beef, their TV shows. All products. We welcome wolves in Colorado.
I have lived in Wyoming since 1969, hunted and fished and enjoyed all the outdoor activities this state has to offer, but I have ZERO respect for someone who runs down a frightened animal with a snowmobile. That is not hunting, that is the wanton destruction of life by a sick, sadistic, psychopath.
Yes, how can Wyoming, supposedly a civilized state, condone such horrible atrocities as killing an innocent animal with a snowmobile? Despicable, horrible and inexcusable “fun”.
Thank you for your statement as a hunter. There will be little change to the acceptance and statutory promotion of unthinkably cruel practises until hunters speak out.
Just “Good old boys covering for redneck good old boys”!
I feel as if I have been lied to, again. Is any government entity, anywhere, trustworthy?
No
No
For real!
No
Years ago we were doing some initial processing of a game animal in our drive. A young man stopped and said to please be respectful of the remains and get them out of sight quickly. As a hunter, he wanted us to be above reproach and not give hunting a bad name.
It gave us a pause to think about hunting, how and why. It made us question the main reason many hunt. A trophy or food?
It takes the same skill to hunt any animal.
Perhaps the indigenous got it right when they thanked the animal for giving its life to sustain them. And perhaps if all a hunter is doing is looking to capture a trophy, it could be done with a camera.
I love to hunt and have done so all my life. Wild meat has always been our main red meat. But now, as a pioneer hunter , I am more respecful of an animal’s life.
Many were appalled when the wolf was run down and paraded before killing it. But again, perhaps, we need to question our ethics about animal life that helped create his attitude.
I will still continue to boycott anything to do with Wyoming and encourage others to do the same. Their treatment of animals and lack of concern for sentient beings is appalling.
I am with you. I will not drive to or through Wyoming ever again.
Wyoming is decades behind the civilized world… in every way.
Let’s face it, those who revere wolves from afar will never undersnd the hatred for them that someone who had their favorite lamb, dog, or calf torn apart and eaten live by wolves…..and visa versa.
The incident with the wolf was disgusting. The attitude of people there seems to be do nothing and let it go. It’s a stain on the whole state of Wyoming that will last for many years to come.
Yes, people all over the country now know Wyoming as the state of hate for its wildlife. Such an atrocious state.
Bunch of crap! He should have been given jail time!!!
I am with you, Stacy. Significant jail time too!!!
Obviously Game and Fish wanted this matter swept under the rug. Hand out a measly fine and everyone hush up and hope the media doesn’t get ahold of it
NO animal deserves to be tortured and torn to death, but millions of dollars of tax money was spent to create that very situation. People go to watch that very thing happen to deer, elk, moose calves, then scream and cry because the killer or torturer is also “tortured????
Get real. Billions of tax dollars go to support you people. You’re not important enough to determine what wildlife exists in the country.
Apex predators such as wolves are actually good for the ecosystem. Are you actually comparing this to a repugnant act by a human?
Well then, problem solved. We don’t have to do anything. Let’s head to the Cheyenne Club for drinks and cigars.
That’s what you think! Change is happening, this should NEVER have been legally allowed! Shame on the state of Wyoming!!
I hope you are referring to the introduction of a predator to kill other wildlife and privately owned animals. The cost of the loss to be paid by the owner of the domestic animals.