Trial set for March in case of Wyoming man who allegedly tortured and killed wolf

DANIEL, Wyo. (TCN) — A man is set to go to trial in March for allegedly torturing and killing a wolf after a judge denied his motion to dismiss the case. 

KTVX reports that on Feb. 29, 2024, Cody J. Roberts allegedly ran over a wolf with a snowmobile. According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Roberts then allegedly muzzled the animal, brought it to a bar, and later killed it. 

WyoFile reports that when Roberts allegedly brought the muzzled animal into the bar, he appeared to make light of the animal’s suffering. According to CBS, video clips of the incident showed the wolf lying on the floor, hardly moving, and Roberts allegedly kissing it on its snout.

WyoFile reports Roberts was initially fined $250 by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for possession of warm-blooded wildlife. More serious charges could not be brought at the time because, according to CBS, Wyoming gives wide leeway regarding the killing of wolves and other predators throughout most of the state. 

About a month later, the videos and photos of the incident drew worldwide outrage and condemnation, WyoFile reports.  

KTVX reports the state’s laws prohibit people from causing an animal undue suffering with the intent to cause death, and the photos and video of Roberts provided the evidence to charge him with felony animal cruelty.

Following a grand jury indictment returned on Aug. 20, 2025, according to KTVQ, Roberts filed a motion in December 2025 to have the case dismissed due to the broadness of the law.

In 2024, Wyoming wildlife managers cited a predatory animal exception to animal cruelty laws, WyoFile reports. During the hearing to discuss the motion to have the case dismissed on Feb. 4, Sublette County Prosecuting Attorney Clayton Melinkovich argued that Roberts’ treatment of the wolf did not meet the exemption laws because it was in his possession and cruelty laws apply to all animals.

Roberts’ jury trial is scheduled to begin March 6, according to KTVX. CBS reports that if Roberts is convicted, he will face up to two years in prison and could be fined up to $5,000.

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