Cody Roberts Wolf Torture Plea Deal

Cody Roberts, a United States — Wyoming man, has agreed to a plea deal to avoid trial and potential prison time for felony animal cruelty. He was accused of hitting a wolf with a snowmobile, taping its mouth shut, showing it off in a bar, and then killing it in February 2024. The plea deal, reached with United States — Sublette County, Wyoming prosecutors, involves a $1,000 fine and 18 months of probation, with prohibitions on alcohol, bars, hunting, and fishing during this period. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to scrutiny of United States — Wyoming's wildlife laws, which allow broad leeway for killing wolves in most of the state. Initially, Cody Roberts received only a $250 fine for illegal possession of wildlife, but a grand jury later indicted him on felony animal cruelty charges. United States — Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon condemned Cody Roberts' actions and signed a new law in February 2025 banning the torture and possession of wildlife. Groups like Humane World for Animals and Wayne Pacelle have welcomed the plea deal while also highlighting the need for stronger legal protections for wildlife.